Thomas A. Vargo

Thomas "Tom" A. Vargo, 70, passed away peacefully at his South Daytona, FL, home on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, succumbing to kidney failure. Prior to spending nearly 20 years retired in Daytona Beach, Tom lived in Ohio, where he graduated from Hubbard High School in 1973. He was born in Greensburg to Thomas and Theresa (DiVirgilio) Vargo in August of 1955. Tom grew up in McCullough and was an altar boy at St. Barbara's Church in Harrison City. He earned his Boy Scout Eagle Badge at 15, becoming the youngest in the state at the time to do so. He and his best friend Ron Supancic had many great adventures back in the day. Because of his father's job with GM, Tom moved as a teenager to Hubbard, OH, where he then spent over 30 years actively involved in the community. Tom was well known for having a successful trucking company, being involved in youth sports, and volunteering time, equipment, and money for all things Hubbard. Tom had a passion for on-track drag racing. He was known as "Tom Slick" for doing wheelies in the Pac-Man Corvette at events in Ohio and Pennsylvania. For a time he operated Sunset Dragstrip in Hermitage, which he called Charleston Raceway Park. After being diagnosed with leukemia, Tom moved to South Daytona, expecting to only live for a couple of years. He credits his wife, Jeri, and the Florida sunshine for giving him 20 years instead of just two. With the song "Live Like You Were Dying" as his motto, Tom got to travel to several Top Fuel Drag Racing events, spend time on the beach, ride his motorcycle, bowl, and golf. In retirement Tom had "fun" jobs. At the Daytona Speedway, Tom drove trams during the big events, and he also worked for several years as a toll taker on the beaches of Daytona. He made it his mission to make sure everyone knew that the beach cost nothing for those with a handicap placard. Hundreds of people got to enjoy his favorite beach for free, and that made him happy. During those bonus years he got to see his kids grow up, graduate, get married, and even have some grandkids. He leaves behind his loving wife, Jeri Evans Vargo; his son, Tom Jr. (Ashley); and grandchildren, Thomas and Joleah of Hubbard; as well as his son, Robert (Natalia), of Orlando, FL. Stepkids that he loved include Eric and Michelle Lamb as well as Matt, Grant, and K. Cooper. Feeling the loss also are Aunt Milly (James) DiVirgilio Cappa, cousins Diane (Mike) Vukas, Tina Gillen, Amy (Kurt) Bowser, ChrisAnn (Randy) Brant, and Bob Adamrovich; along with their extended families; and other cousins. There will be no formal service, but the family hopes everyone that knew Tom will celebrate his life by sharing stories of his kindness and generosity. Jeri would love to hear from everyone. Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home's website at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.