Peter Varellas

Peter Nicholas Varellas

("Walt" to his friends and "Papa" to family) passed away on March 3, 2015, in the presence of family. He was born May 1, 1923 in San Francisco to Greek immigrants Peter and Rena Varellas. His sister Rena Abrishamian and half- sister Grace Marinos both predeceased him. Walt was raised in San Francisco's "Jewel Box". He attended Lowell High School, served in the Army, and then graduated from Stanford University in 1950. At Stanford, Walt was active in student activities, including serving as president of the Inter-Fraternity Council, head of student police, and president of Theta Chi Fraternity. In Theta Chi, he established many friendships that endure today. Walt and the love of his life, Joan, were married in 1955 and settled in Fresno, CA, where they raised their family and enjoyed 57 years of marriage, until Joan's passing in August of 2012. Walt pursued a lifelong career in agricultural corrugated container sales, working with clients that became cherished friends in the San Joaquin Valley.
Walt's life was a rich mosaic of interesting experiences centered on family and friendship. He was devoted to his wife Joan, with whom he laughed, traveled and shared quality time with friends and family. Later, he lovingly supported Joan through her struggles with Alzheimer's. He made a point of staying in touch with his children, grandchildren and dear friends by daily phone calls and email. Walt was always the family photographer, capturing the special moments, such as those summer trips to Stanford Sierra Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake, but he was rarely in the photos himself. He also enjoyed painting and casual entertaining and staying up to speed with world events via the internet.
Walt relished interacting and connecting with everyone he encountered. He enjoyed learning from people; their backgrounds, experiences and life stories. And by doing so, he endeared himself to so many. Walt was a huge presence and he will be forever missed.
Walt is survived by his three children: Lisa Greenfield (and Stuart), Larry Varellas (and Robyn), and Lance Varellas (and Katy), and his six grandchildren: Christopher and Stephen Greenfield, Peter Varellas and Betsy Shealer (and Kyle), and Clare and Annie Varellas, who will always remember their Papa as their most devoted fan and supporter.
A celebration of Walt's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. at Holland Park West, 3855 N. Bryan Avenue, Fresno, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California, 4411 N Cedar Avenue, Fresno, 93720
American Cancer Society, 2222 W Shaw Avenue Suite 201, Fresno 93711
Members of the Baha'i faith can donate to: Baha'i Center, 2240 North Angus Street, Fresno, Ca. 93703