Victor P. "Vic" Varchola

Victor P. Varchola, a husband, father, friend, outdoorsman and amateur philosopher, began his next adventure on Saturday night. Surrounded by his wife and children, Vic, of Rapho Township, passed away peacefully in his bed at Lancaster General Hospital after one last sunset. He was 65, and the sunset was beautiful. Born in New Jersey, Vic graduated from Saddle Brook High School in 1967, and Northwest Missouri State College in 1971, where he ran track and once accidentally hurled a discus into the stands. Known far and wide as “Big Red,” he hitchhiked across America, risked life and limb logging in Oregon, wired factories and stores as an industrial electrician, and finished his working life as a caregiver for the elderly. He read voraciously, fished quietly, canoed expertly, prayed privately and loved unreservedly. Those who knew him are better for it. Those who loved him always will.

Vic is survived by his wife, Lenore Vargo; son Joshua Varchola, of Harrisburg; son and daughter-in-law Michael Wereschagin and Neva German, of Pittsburgh; mother Mary Varchola, of Saddle Brook; brother and sister-in-law George and Donna Varchola of Davenport, IA; brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Lisa Varchola, of Meridan, Conn.; brother James Varchola, of Saddle Brook; and sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Richard West of Saddle Brook. His father, George, preceded him in death.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM. There will be a public viewing from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Victor’s memory to The Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, 1500 Paxton St., Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA, 17104 or National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2149 North 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA, 17110.