Leonard Varga, age 93 passed away peacefully at home in Largo, FL on May 25th. He was born Laszlo Varga in Budapest Hungary, on March 22, 1926. A World War II holocaust survivor, he lost many of his family and friends and was liberated from a German labor camp in Klagenfurt, Germany at age 19 by the British Army. He lived throughout Europe and was able to emigrate to America in 1951 after a 7 year wait. He was sponsored by the United Jewish Appeal and was taken in by a family who helped refugees and gave them rooms until they got on their feet. A tailor by trade, he was offered a job as one in providence RI. After meeting the family’s daughter, he didn’t want to leave. He was however, quickly drafted by the US Army and served in Germany where he became naturalized earning his US Citizenship in 1952 and officially became Leonard.
After the Army, he then apprenticed as a Tool & Diemaker working in the watch industry for many years at both Speidel Industries and the Bulova Watch Company.
He came back to marry that daughter, Cynthia Millman in 1955, who now survives him after 64 years of marriage. He’s leaves his son Craig (Connie) Varga, of Chino Valley, AZ and daughters Andrea (Brian) Felice of Coventry, RI and Alicia (Al) Iovino of Cranston, RI. Grandson’s Alexander (Nikki) Felice, NV, Jared (Brandi) Felice, VA and Michael (Jenn) Iovino, RI and a new Great granddaughter Penelope Felice (VA).
Len became an avid bowler and was well known at Lang’s Bowlarama in Cranston, RI where he loved teaching others and young people the sport. He continued that love of bowling for many years following in Largo, FL until just 8 short months ago when he was still playing on 2 leagues.
Retiring and moving to Largo in 1991, he was convinced he had arrived in Paradise. Len was so very proud that his grandson’s Alexander & Jared both followed in his footsteps by serving this country in the US Army, as well Jared’s wife Brandi, all 3 serving overseas.
Len loved life, loved to travel, had a deep great love for this country and was a great patriot. He was a very positive and loving person and known best for his bright smile and happy demeanor.
Graveside services will be held in Chapel Hill Memorial Park, Largo, FL. Tuesday May 28th at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to:
Suncoast Hospice. 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760. https://empathhealth.org/
The Jewish Burial Society of Pinellas county, Inc http://chapelhillmemprk.org/
Andrea and Alicia sorry for the loss of your father. From reading his story your father was a great man, who did a lot for himself, family and others. He was blessed to have lived a long life. Condolences to both of you and the rest of the family, thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sad to hear of Len’s passing. We were more than friends for over 40 years. We both share a love for bowling and traveling. We made it a point to visit the Varga’s every time we traveled to Florida. I will not be the same without him. My sincere condolences to Cynthia, Andrea, Alicia, Craig and the rest of the family. RIP. Kevin
To my Dear friend Alicia , Graig and Andra . I know the loss of your dad is heartbreaking . Your dad was like a dad to me for many years . He was a great man . Yes , he was always smiling and making others laugh . I know you three are their for your mom . I wish I was their with all of you . You all know how much I love you all . My love and prayers are with you all . Please send ( mom ) your mom all my love . Again , I wish I could be there .
Love Always ,
Donna
Alicia,
What an amazing life story…I never knew all that your Dad was.
I am so sorry for your loss and my sincerest condolences to you. Al and Micheal, and your family.
XO
Lori DelSesto