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Stephen Varva Obituary
Born Aug. 29, 1954, in Butler, he was a son of the late Steve Varva and Mary Nastasi Varva.
Steve graduated in 1972 from Butler High School and then from Penn State University. He went to work for Nationwide Insurance starting in claims and opened his own insurance agency with Nationwide in 1985, which is still operating in Cranberry Township. He won many sales achievement awards from Nationwide.
He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Butler and was a member of the Butler Country Club for 25 years, where he was an avid golfer. He was a huge sports fan, had enjoyed cooking Italian foods, traveling to Las Vegas with his family and friends, and had centered his life around his wife, his daughters and his family.
Surviving are his wife, Tammy Potyka Varva, who he married May 14, 1983; two daughters, Lindsie Varva and Stephanie Varva; two brothers, James E. Rich and Frank A. (Sherry) Rich; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andrew and Patricia Potyka; two sisters-in-law, Deborah Condon and Victoria (John) Ewing; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Andrew "Butch" Potyka.
VARVA - Friends of Stephen A. Varva, who died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Ave., Butler.
Memorial donations may be made to the Butler Regional Cancer Center, 102 Technology Drive, Suite 110, Butler, PA 16001.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Varva
Larry Garvin
October 15, 2020
Tammy, Stephanie & Lindsey.......as you know.....I miss my dear friend. I think of Steve weekly (if not every day) we used to discuss a number of different topics. Steve was so proud of you guys.....he used to share with me how much he enjoyed traveling with you all. Cowboy and I mention Steve all of the time. Such a loss......it’s painful. All the best to you.
Ronnie V
October 28, 2019
Another year has passed and with it so many changes. The shoot-outs lack your direction, the Las Vegas golf trip has been dropped by our club and there just isn't the same vibe in the men's grill without you. Tammy looks as beautiful as always and I'm certain your daughters are gracefully carrying on your legacy.
Larry Garvin
October 18, 2019
Tammy, Stephanie & Lindsay......the loss of your beloved husband and father....saddens me on a regular basis. Steve and I were closer than what many others are aware. Theres a void in my life without out Steve. I miss him.....and I always will. Chuck (Cowboy) and I always say.....what would Varv say or think. God Bless the 3 of you.
Ronnie V
August 24, 2017
As your birthday approaches , let me say how much you are missed at the club. You are truly mentioned everyday. Your spirit of kindness, appreciation and sincerity are still felt. No one has been able to fill the gap left in your role as counselor and Godfather in the men's grill. Rest in peace except for on Sundays when I hope your damn Patriots lose no matter whom they are playing. You were the best ! Super V
Mike and Mary Leyland
October 26, 2016
Tammy and Family, please accept my prayers and sympathy in the wake of Steve's passing. I was so saddened by the news. It had been a while since I'd seen him or heard from him. We always had fun and great conversations even though we saw each other infrequently. What a great guy and friend.
Mike and Mary Leyland
Reid and Barb Double
October 25, 2016
to the family ! We were so sorry to hear of another sadness in the family ~ we didn't know Steve, but Sharon told us and we certainly send our love and hugs to all !!
Dan Leone
October 25, 2016
Tammy and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. Steve was a great guy and a special friend for so many years. I will miss him so much. May you find comfort in your memory of all of the good times. Rest in peace my friend.
Marianne Ordy
October 24, 2016
Thoughts are with you guys, love you!
Rhonda Simmons
October 24, 2016
So very sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I work for Eric Shick and knew Steve for many years. My heart breaks for you.
Keith Maust
October 24, 2016
Tammy, Beth and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Steve. I will miss the golf outings we had when I was back visiting in Butler and all the laughs we shared. A true friend. Our prayers are with you.
Steve & Marla Milich
October 24, 2016
So sorry for your loss !!
Stephen Varba
October 24, 2016
Tammy, Tony and I was shocked to hear that Steve had passed. Please accept our sincere condolences. A memorial donation will be made to the Cancer Center in his name. May the Lord be with you and the girls at this time of grief
Pamela Ramsey
October 24, 2016
Tammy,Lindsie and Stephanie - Bill and I are truly saddened by the news of Steve's passing. Bill considered him a good friend even though he had lost touch with Steve more recently. We have many good memories from the past and much love for all of you. May God's love comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Pamela Ramsey
October 24, 2016
Dear Tammy, Lindsie, and Stephanie
Bill and I are so sad to hear about Steve's passing. Regretfully, we did not share the pain all of you experienced during his illness as we had lost touch. However, we still have wonderful memories and much love for all of you. May God's love comfort you in the days ahead.
Nina Sapar
October 22, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. My sister Patti was attending my daughters wedding here in Colorado. It was such a shock. God Blessyour family.
Kristen Mowery
October 22, 2016
Tammy and family:
Our hearts are so saddened by Steve's passing.
He was very kind, generous and sympathetic. I always remember the many kind gestures he sent Travis! Movie tickets, sports tickets, etc...he was the BEST!
Prayers to your entire family-
Corky, Kristen and Travis Mowery
Randy Tracy
October 22, 2016
Condolences Tammy and girls and to Steve's entire family. I am heartbroken. God bless Steve and all of you. Rest In Peace.
gloria & tom Zimmerman
October 22, 2016
Tammy I am so sadden by this.You and your family have our deepest sympathies.Steve was a very,very nice man.You are in our prayers.
October 22, 2016
Tammy,our condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. May God be with you all. Brad and Kathy(McCracken) Smith. I always respected and enjoyed Steves humor.He will be missed.
October 22, 2016
Tammy, I found out about Steve while visiting my sister in Denver. I was shocked to hear the news. I didn't know he was ill. My prayers are with you and your daughters. God Bless you, Patti Sapar-Gale
Larry and Carolyn Paganelli
October 22, 2016
Tammy and family..we are so sorry for your loss..Steve was a great man and a good friend. May your fond memories of him comfort all of you during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff & Sue Campbell
October 22, 2016
We the Campbell's Jeff, Sue, Marisa and Jordan are so sorry for your loss Tammy and kids. No words can make it better. ALl we can do is pray for all of you that God helps you through this tough time. Steve was a super man. God is watching over him now, and his pain is gone.
Babe & Tom Brown
October 22, 2016
Tammy, Lindsie and Stephanie, we are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I am glad he was surrounded by his family at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss. Love y'all, and be strong girls!
October 21, 2016
Vicki, Patty , Sonny and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't been in touch for a while, but I want you to know that I still feel like family. Chuck & I send our love.
Steve and Carol Geibel
October 21, 2016
Tammy and Family: Carl and I are so very sorry that we are out of town this week, it has been planned for about 4 months. I would have loved to be a part of Stevie's (that's what we called each other!) tribute. We realize it was a really tough time for him, and for all of you. May he Rest In Peace, he deserves it. And our best wishes to all of you
Roseann (Geibel) Zirnsak
October 21, 2016
Tammy, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have my deepest sympathy.
Edyie (Bash) Potts
October 21, 2016
Tammy and family, My sincere sympathies to all of you. Great memories of great people!
Joyce and Lee Mustello
October 21, 2016
Tammy, I am so sorry for the loss of Steve. I can't imagine the pain you and your family are going through. You will remain in my prayers.
Larry Garvin
October 21, 2016
Tammy, Lindsie & Stephsnie...words are so difficult to express regarding the loss that you are experiencing. I pray that the life time of fond memories that the family created will somehow sustain you through this terrible time in your lives. Steve was my best friend, I will forever miss him. May God Bless.
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