Obituary published on Legacy.com by Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, LLC - Pottstown on Nov. 19, 2025.
John Andrew Varady, 76, husband of Kathleen (Panfile) Varady, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Reading Hospital surrounded by many loved ones.
Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Novak) Varady.
John grew up in Stowe and graduated from Pottsgrove High School in 1966. He proudly enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 19 and served from 1969-1970. He was discharged as an E-5 Vietnam Veteran and was awarded the Bronze Medal and Medal of Commendation for his service. As a young teenager he started working in the newspaper industry initially as a carrier, and following his time in the service continued his lifelong career at the Pottstown Mercury as a circulation manager and The Boyertown Times and Berks-Mont News as an advertising director, spending over 50 years in the industry where he made many lifelong friends. Above all, family was most important to John and he enjoyed spending time with all of his loved ones, especially his devoted wife, loving children, and grandchildren, who all adored him, as well as many nieces and nephews to whom he will remain a favorite Uncle, cousins and his beloved neighbors. He never failed to attend his children's sporting events and was involved in the Optimist Club of Boyertown for many years. He loved his pets who were always at his side, and enjoyed watching the birds, caring for his yard and fish pond, and a good snowstorm. John was an avid Phillies, Eagles, and Penn State fan. He especially enjoyed his Monday breakfasts at Grammia's with his wife, sister-in-law Regina and her husband Bill. His favorite vacation was a trip to Ireland with his wife, and he also enjoyed the Poconos and yearly trips to Key West with his family.
Surviving along with his wife, Kathy, of 52 years, are his children Matthew Varady, partner of Eleanor Freeman, Jennifer Kurzenknabe, wife of Mark, Krista Reisinger, wife of Todd, and Megan Chec; daughter-in-law Erin Jernigan; grandchildren Abby (Ryan), Connor (Morgan), Bernie, Caden, Kiara, Grace, Logan, William, Jacob, Dylan, Brayden, and Katie and great grandchild Rhett; sister Carol Myers, wife of James; He is predeceased by his sister Marianne Reigner, brother-in-law Richard Reigner, sister Arlene Geisler, nephew Robert Geisler, and son-in-laws Joseph McLaughlin and Bernard Chec Jr., as well as many other cherished loved ones he will be joyous to meet again in eternity with our Lord.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 11:00AM at St. Columbkill Church (200 Indian Spring Rd, Boyertown, PA 19512) with Fr. Bob officiating. Burial will be held by the family at a later date. A viewing will also be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 9:00AM-10:45AM at the church. The family encourages anyone attending to wear Eagles or Pennsylvania sport attire if they wish, and please know we understand if you are unable to attend but request to keep us in your prayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to
Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org or PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or any Veteran organization, or to St. Columbkill Church.