Charles Varallo

Charles Vincent Varallo, Sr., 84, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida.

Born on May 15, 1940, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Mr. Varallo led a dynamic and accomplished life marked by professional versatility and personal passion. He began his education at Atlantic City High School and continued at Bordentown Military Academy before attending LaSalle College in Philadelphia. His academic pursuits laid the groundwork for a multifaceted career spanning aviation, hospitality, engineering, and education.

Mr. Varallo’s professional journey began in aviation, where he served as a corporate pilot. His dedication to the field extended beyond the cockpit – he founded the first pilot ground school in New Jersey. This pioneering initiative contributed significantly to the state’s aviation training infrastructure.

In addition to his aviation accomplishments, Mr. Varallo was an entrepreneur who owned and operated two bars and lounges in Southern New Jersey. One of those establishments remains a landmark in Margate, a testament to his ability to create enduring community spaces.

Later in his career, Mr. Varallo transitioned into building engineering. He applied his technical expertise across several industries and locations. In Atlantic City, he managed engineering operations for multiple hotels along the New Jersey shore within the casino sector. His work also took him to Miami, where he oversaw engineering for FBI buildings, then to Birmingham, Alabama, where he supported hotel infrastructure projects. In the final phase of his career before retirement, he worked with the Head Start program in inner-city Birmingham, contributing to early childhood education efforts.

Beyond his professional life, Mr. Varallo pursued a wide range of interests with enthusiasm. He was a champion marathon runner and an avid scuba diving enthusiast. His attention to detail and love of mechanics were reflected in his model train collection. A devoted sports fan, he followed the New York Yankees and New York Giants with great passion.

Mr. Varallo is survived by his son, Charles, Jr. (Sandra) Varallo; grandchildren, Courtney (Clay) Jones, Colin (Kelsey) Varallo, Christopher Varallo and Charles Joseph Varallo of Birmingham; John Varallo, Jr. and Kitty Varallo of New Jersey; step-grandchildren, Justin Morris and Jared Hall of Nashville; great-grandchildren, James Jones, Pierce Jones, Rio Varallo and Romee Varallo of Birmingham; brother Dr. Joseph (Lynne) Varallo of New Jersey; nephews Jimmy John Varallo and Joe Varallo of New Jersey, and Robert Varallo of Las Vegas.

Mr. Varallo was predeceased by his wife, Carol Varallo and son, John Varallo.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, located at 2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitation will begin at 10:30 and the service will begin at 11:00. A gathering, celebrating his life, will follow at his home in Gulf Breeze.

Charles Vincent Varallo, Sr.’s life was defined by innovation, dedication, and a spirit of adventure that continues to resonate with those who knew him.