Richard E. Varney

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard E. Varney, of Cornelius NC, announce his passing on August 21st 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness. Born in Upton, he was the son of the late Dorothy Young and the late Donald L Varney Sr.  Richard graduated from Grafton High School in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Navy from March 1954 to January 1958.

Richard and his wife Carol had 56 truly joyful years the happiest marriage in truest partnership. Not only was Richard a wonderful father to his two girls Tara and Roshane, he was also a wonderful grandfather and so much more. Richard’s ability to make everyone feel comfortable and loved were his greatest strengths. He listened to you, he saw you. He cherished every moment spent with his family and was a man who put everyone else first, the definition of kindness.

Richard was a very talented and skilled woodworker. He worked beside his brother-in-law, Robert Page of Page Lumber Yard in Upton MA for many years. He then worked at the Perini Corporation in Framingham until his retirement. Richard was an avid bird watcher and gardener. Very civic minded, he volunteered for the town of Cornelius and in his community in Cornelius.

Richard was the proud father to his two daughters, Tara Lee (Rand) Filingeri, wife of Bruce Filingeri of South Windsor CT, and her sister Roshane Ann (Varney) Brule who lives in Cornelius, NC. Richard was lovingly called Papa by his five beloved grandchildren, Cody Filingeri, Caitlyn Filingeri, Annie Filingeri, Jaime Brule and Sean Brule. He also leaves behind his much loved two sisters, Nancy (Varney) Page, wife of the late Robert Page, of Upton and Gail (Varney) Larson, wife of Robert Larson of Mendon. He also leaves behind his much loved sister-in-law, Joan Varney, wife of the late Donald Varney of Upton, and his much loved sister in law, the late Dawn (Jantz) Osterman of Sutton MA.  Richard also has many nieces and nephews who brought him much joy through the years.

There will be no calling hours. There will be a private graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery, Upton, at a later date.