Andrew J. Varley

Obituary of Andrew J. Varley

Andrew John Varley, 74, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man whose kindness and steady presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

The youngest of three children, Andrew was born on December 14, 1951, in Brooklyn to the late Robert and Delmira Varley and was raised in Queens in a close-knit, loving family. Those early years shaped him deeply and instilled in him a lifelong devotion to family and community, values he carried with him throughout his life.

Andrew is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Bernadette Varley (née Brophy); his son, Robert Varley and his wife Sandra; his daughters, Karen Benson and her husband Patrick, and Ciara Varley and her fiancé Daniel Bendik; and his five adored grandchildren, Andrew, Marisa, Harrison, Dylan and Teresa, who brought him endless pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Varley, and his wife, Joan; his sister, Roberta Ventimiglia, and her husband, Richard; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Andrew pursued higher education at St. John's University in Queens, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and later received his MBA from Baruch College. He remained a loyal St. John's basketball fan and followed the team closely over the years.

Professionally, Andrew built a long and respected career in finance with Prudential in New York City, where he eventually rose to Senior Executive of Mutual Fund Securities. He was known for his integrity, sound judgment, and the trust he earned from colleagues and clients alike.

On April 24, 1992, Andrew married Bernadette, and together they made their home in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Family always came first for Andrew. He was a devoted father and found his greatest happiness in being "NuNu" to his grandchildren, taking joy in time spent together, cheering them on, and sharing everyday moments.

A lifelong sports fan, Andrew proudly supported his hometown teams, the New York Jets, Mets, and Rangers, and held season tickets for many years. His love of sports extended beyond the stands, as he spent many seasons refereeing high school football in New York City, a role that reflected his calm demeanor and sense of fairness. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, and reading, particularly history.

Andrew treasured time spent with extended family, especially on memorable vacations to Italy, Lake Placid, Greece, Portugal, and warmer trips to Florida and the Caribbean. These travels, filled with laughter and conversation, reflected what mattered most to him, being together.

NuNu especially loved a good board or card game. He enjoyed the challenge and never believed in going easy on his kids, no matter how competitive things became. He believed that preparation and hard work mattered and that effort would always win out in the end.

Andrew lived a very good life. He was deeply loved and widely respected, and his legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.

May Andrew's memory bring comfort to all who loved him and serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of love, family, and time well spent.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Andrew on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those wishing to attend virtually, the Mass will be livestreamed at www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

Interment will follow at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Queens, New York

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that charitable contributions may be made in Andrew's memory to CASA of Middlesex County, 28 Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 350, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816