Ferenc Csaba Varga

Ferenc (Frank) Csaba Varga, master sculptor and one of Delray Beach, Florida’s finest artists, died on Saturday, April 14, after a long battle with cancer, at his home in Delray Beach, Florida.  He was 74 years old.

Mr. Varga was born on June 18, 1943 in Budapest, Hungary. He was the son of the internationally-renowned sculptor and former Delray Beach resident, Ferenc Varga (1906-1989) and his wife Anna Pázman Varga (1912-2004).  Mr. Varga immigrated to Windsor, Ontario, Canada with his parents when he was 8 years old.  Several years later they moved to Detroit, Michigan.

As a young child, Mr. Varga demonstrated his inherited talent when he began helping his father and learning from the master sculptor in both the Canadian and U.S. Varga Sculpturing Studios. For the rest of the senior Mr. Varga’s life, father and son worked together, often collaborating on many significant and monumental works of art located throughout the U.S.

In 1964, Mr. Varga attended the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze in Italy, further developing his artistic skills and unique style.  Already fluent in Hungarian and English, he quickly became proficient in Italian. During this period, he began his lifelong love affair with Italy.

In 1970, Mr. Varga opened a branch of Varga Sculpturing Studio in Grosse Pointe, Michigan where he created many commissioned sculptures for private collections and began his teaching career. Then in 1983, he assumed direction of Varga Sculpturing Studio in Delray Beach, Florida where he continued to work and teach until his death.

A highlight of Mr. Varga’s teaching approach was his annual trip to Carrara, Italy with his students where he instructed them in the fine art of marble carving. In addition to the classes, his students and their family members were treated to personal tours of Italy, where he regaled them with his in-depth knowledge of art and all things Italian.

Mr. Varga will be remembered not only for his extraordinary talent, but for his generosity, charm, and humor. Even during the final stage of his illness, whenever he was able, Mr. Varga could be seen in his studio instructing and encouraging his students; helped by his son and protégé, Michael Vincent Varga.

Mr. Varga’s many artistic works are on public display and in private collections throughout the U.S.; indeed, all over the world.  On February 10, 2018, a Special Tribute was held for him, with a display of his works, at the Cornell Museum of Art at Old School Square in Delray Beach, Florida. In recognition of his contribution to the artistic ambiance of Delray Beach, the City honored him with a proclamation supporting that Tribute.

Once you became Mr. Varga’s friend, you were for life. He loved them, and his Hungarian and American family unconditionally. And they reciprocated.  As Mr. Varga’s health was failing, he received numerous condolences and visits from friends both locally and internationally.  Mr. Varga’s family gratefully acknowledges these and so many other kindnesses.    

Knowing how much Mr. Varga was loved, his family shares the following farewell: “Now cracks a noble heart. / Goodnight, sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” (Hamlet, 5.2)

Mr. Varga is survived by his wife, Joanne Flanagan Varga, his son Ferenc (Steve) Stephen Varga, and his son Michael Vincent Varga.

Lorne & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Following Mr. Varga’s wishes, no public funeral services were held. He is buried beside his parents in Lake Worth Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida.