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Albert Vargo Obituary

ALBERT JAMES VARGO, passed away peacefully August 17, 2008 at the age of 84 with his family by his side. He was a devoted husband, loving father, adored grandfather, great-grandfather and wonderful friend. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love and laughter. Al was born June 25, 1924 to Anna and Paul Vargo of Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in nearby Lakewood. A WWII veteran, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 17. After the war, Al ran a delicatessen, igniting his passion for restaurant operation and opportunity brought him to Houston. He prospered working for the Shamrock Hilton Hotel and in 1959 he and his brother Frank purchased the Black Angus Steakhouse. Having a vision for a unique dining experience in beautiful natural surroundings, Al opened Vargo's Restaurant, a Houston landmark and tradition. According to Al, his greatest achievement is his family. He was a naturally loving patriarch and a great friend who will continue to be loved by all who knew him. Mr. Vargo was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Frank, George, Paul and his sister Marianne. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Janis, his adoring children Amanda Vargo, Alex Vargo, Dale Vargo, Denise Cheatum, and Cathy Pool. He also leaves behind devoted grandchildren Chad Manning, John Byron Vargo, Alan Vargo, Erin Vargo, Carrie V Pool, Russell Vargo, Cheryl Brinkmeyer, John Pool, and Austin Pool. and great- grandchildren Jacob Vargo, Lauren Vargo, Gracie Brinkmeyer, Connor James Manning, and many more to come. The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Asminda Perez who cared for Mr. Vargo as she would her own father. Al Vargo was a major contributor to the flavor of Houston's modern history. Our world was a better place when Al was in it and it will continue to improve because of his influence. "He may have passed away in body, but his spirit will live forever. We love you, Dad, and you will be missed." Alex Vargo Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 22, 2008 with a Time for Remembrance at 7:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Saturday August 23, 2008 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd, Houston, TX. A private interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Casa de Esperanza, P O Box 66581 77266 www.casahope.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Aug. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Vargo

Not sure what to say?





Bill Benker

September 8, 2008

I am so sorry for you loss. Mr. Vargo did many wonderful things for my friend Chad Manning.

Coralie Sculley

September 2, 2008

Dear Janis, Alex and family,

Sean told me had heard the sad news. We share your grief and hold you in our prayers.

Dawn Berry Wells

August 30, 2008

Dear Janis,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Vargo's passing. I could not have worked for a better man during my five years at Vargo's. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Antoinette Klucar

August 23, 2008

Loving thoughts are with all of your family at this very sad time. Your father will be missed by all who knew him.

Antoinette Klucar and family

Rose Anne Bolfing

August 22, 2008

I share your grief because the Vargo family name is part of our happy memories in Houston. 1968 prom night started with dinner at Vargo's. 1971 we celebrated our engagement with dinner at the Black Angus. In 1999 my daughter received her engagement ring on the beautiful grounds at Vargo's. Thank you for a lifetime of hard work that became part of the landscape of a beautiful city and part of the story of our family.

Cyndi Smith

August 21, 2008

Dear Janis, Al's family, and loved ones,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Al Vargo was one of my Dad's 2 best friends. We grew up hearing stories of the adventures Al, Art, and my Dad (Len) had growing up together. We cherish the memories of our visits to Houston and his visits here. We are sad as we miss Al, but are grateful for having been blessed with having known Al and experienced his humor and vivacity. Love, The family of Len R. Dudzinski.

MaryAnne Hightower Talab

August 20, 2008

Denise, Cathy, Dale and family. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. Oh my gosh I have so many wonderful memories of the Hightower and Vargo Children...and the fun we would have. I will be moving my daughter Audrey back to school so I will mot be able to make it. Please know that I am there in love and spirit. The Vargo home was my home away from home. I love you all.
Mary Anne Hightower Talab

Wendy Perez

August 20, 2008

I'm so saddned to hear that Mr. Vargo is no longer here. My mother, Asminda Perez and I, Wendy Perez, loved him very much. My mother has worked for the Vargo's for many years and we love them very much!May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Damone Family

August 20, 2008

Mr. Vargo and his family have played a large role in our family's life. He was a good friend to our father, and was a wonderful employer while I worked for him at Vargos. My sisters and I loved him and Janis deeply. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

Arline Loux

August 20, 2008

Dear Jennifer, Chad & Connor Manning, Our family shares in your grief and sorrow with the loss of your beloved Grandfather Albert James Vargo. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all.

God Bless,
Arline, Kevin, Sophia & Kevin Jr.

Suzanne Mestyanek Healy

August 20, 2008

My deepest condolences to Janis and the family. I first met Al (my mother's cousin) when he would come to our home in California in his Army Uniform, having been stationed there, asleep on our front porch til we all woke up. (not to bother us as he arrived during the night.) We six little kids loved having him. Al would get a beer and lay on a lounge getting some sunshine. What fond memories of a good hearted person.

Stephanie Korenek

August 20, 2008

I was so saddened to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. I am delighted to say I worked at Vargos in the late 80's. Although he wasnt really my "boss"...he was present at Vargos almost daily. He always took the time to talk with me; and seemed to always have kind word, or praise for each employee. I was touched that he took the time to learn everyones name....regardless of their position...head chef....busboy...he treated everyone with the same respect. I have a wealth of fond memories of working for Mr. Vargo and I am gratefull to have had that opportunity. He was a kind man...he will truly be missed

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