Angelo Robert Varrone

Angelo Robert Varrone passed away on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 in Annapolis, Maryland at the age of seventy-eight. Angelo was born February 1947 in Brooklyn, New York to Albert C. Varrone and Rose Ferrara. Albert and Rose raised three children, Marianne V. DeGennaro, Madeline V. Ferrari, and Angelo R. Varrone in a humble Brooklyn apartment. The Varrones moved to Deer Park, Long Island in 1959 where Angelo would later graduate from North Babylon High School in 1963. He earned an Associate's Degree from The University of New York at Farmingdale and demonstrated a proclivity for business sales.

Angelo Varrone married Diana M. Verga in 1968. Angelo and Diana raised two beautiful daughters Danielle and Andrea. He began a soaring career in advertising sales at Gralla Publications headquartered at Grant Building in Times Square, New York City. Angelo's daily commute from Freehold, New Jersey into the city often left him dreaming about his own business. Angelo realized his dream when he launched Sunbelt Media Sales with his partner Stan Berman in 1979 in Coral Springs, Florida.

In 1984, Angelo relocated his family to Atlanta, Georgia as he merged his business with Shore Communications, rebranded to Shore-Varrone, Inc. where he served as President and CEO. Under his leadership Shore-Varrone, Inc. launched several powerhouse publications like Display & Design Ideas, Sports Trend, Auto Trim and Restyling, and countless others. Shore-Varrone set the standard for trade shows in the 90's by premiering their franchise, GlobalShop. Shore-Varrone, Inc. sold to VNU, a Nielsen Company, in 1998.

As a result of Angelo's fruitful vision he earned himself an early retirement which he opted out of to start ExpoNation. In 2002, Angelo founded ExpoNation, LLC. alongside his daughter, Danielle Gibbs, and son-in-law, Chris Gibbs. Together they built esteemed brands such as, LightShow-LighShow West and Digital Signage Expo. Angelo founded Digital Signage Federation which is still in operation today.

July 7th, 2006 Angelo married his wife, A. Karen Varrone in Atlanta, Georgia. Together they strategically positioned Digital Signage Expo's to be a pinnacle leader in Las Vegas trade events. Angelo and Karen's marriage of twenty years involved much of raising their two children Clara V. Hunter and Evan J. Hunter Jr.

Angelo's life is defined by his actions. He was a steadfast family-man, gentleman, and occasional entertainer. He cherished his big family and community dearly. In his free time Angelo enjoyed boxing, golf, tennis, and boating at the lake. Angelo was a gifted singer, and shared his deep appreciation for music by singing with friends and strangers alike.

In April 2024, Angelo and Karen relocated to Kent Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Angelo never lived retirement by its definition. He enjoyed traveling, frequent stay-cations in the Capitol City of Washington, D.C., and relished any opportunity to share a dad-joke at lively family and friendly gatherings. Angelo, a servant-leader, enjoyed volunteering with Wreaths Across America, Samaritan's Purse, Boy Scouts of America, and Crons and Colitis Foundation of America.

Angelo is predeceased by his sister Marianne DeGennaro and brother-in-law, Anthony DeGennaro Sr. He is survived by his wife A. Karen Varrone, and sister and brother-in-law, Madeline V. Ferrari and Allen Ferrari, and four children, Danielle Gibbs and her husband Christopher F. Gibbs, Andrea Varrone, Clara V. Hunter, and Evan J. Hunter Jr., and three grandchildren, Harrison C. Gibbs, Jacqueline V. Gibbs, and Hudson J. Gibbs, his nephews and nieces, Anthony DeGenarro, Micheal DeGenarro, Carissa Murray, and Nikki Hill, and many other Varrone Family members.

We are grateful for the time shared and ask our father, Angelo, to give mom, dad, Marianne, Ganny, and Dudley a big hug from all of us. A Catholic Mass and Celebration of Life will be held in Spring of 2026 (TBD for dates) at Kent Island, MD. For any questions, please reach out to family or at address 103 Warbler Way, Chester, MD 21619.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy." - Matthew 25:23 NAB