Martin Vardaro

Marty grew up fascinated with semi-trucks and trailers. After completing an overseas tour in the U.S. Army, Marty was honorably discharged and returned to the United States to fulfill his childhood dream. For the next 50 years, Marty (aka “Polar Bear” which was his CB handle and nickname within the trucking community) worked for Meadow Dairy, Hammermill Paper, Preston Trucking, National Carriers, and Crete Carriers. He owned and operated his own truck for 10 of those years. Over the course of his career, Marty received multiple certifications for hauling hazardous materials, accumulated over 6.5 million cross-country miles, and received countless safety awards and certificates of appreciation.

In his earlier years, he loved playing basketball, baseball, horseshoes, fishing, camping, and hosting late night poker tournaments. He was an avid stockcar, NASCAR, and football fan that proudly cheered for the underdog, Richard Petty, and his famed Dallas Cowboys. He was typically the high scorer at Ms. Pac-Man, enjoyed the casino lights, and loved listening to 50’s music, as well as vacationing, and even becoming a certified “Hot Air Balloon” passenger.

Marty was a member of several organizations including the Teamsters, SoonerNu Voice Club of Oklahoma City, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). He was a supporter of several organizations including Boys Town, VFW, Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Joseph Indian School, and the National League of the Blind and Disabled. Marty rarely went anywhere that he didn’t make a friend or create a smile.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Lois Vardaro; parents; sister Christina Ann Chestnut Vargas; and stepson David Henry.

Marty is survived by his children: son Mark Vardaro (Jennifer) of Oklahoma City, OK, daughters Michelle Black of Erie, PA, Kim Coffaro (Rob) of Slippery Rock, PA, Lisa Morgan of Erie, PA and his stepdaughter Karen Henry of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren: Meghan Bainter, Jeffrey Vardaro (Erica), Haden Vardaro, Blake Vardaro (Tina), Faith Black, Emma Teel, Gina Coffaro, Julia Coffaro, Sophia Coffaro, Shawn Morgan, Jamey Henry, Benjamin Henry, Cody Ceballos, and Brendon Ceballos; great-grandchildren: Elliot Vardaro, Avery Vardaro, and Augustus Vardaro; and nephew Ray (Wanda) Chestnut.

Viewing will be from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, June 13, 2021 at Memorial Park Funeral Home (13313 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131). Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, June 14, 2021 at Memorial Park Historic Cemetery Chapel (13400 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131) with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception will follow interment back inside the Historic Cemetery Chapel.

All are welcome to attend and participate in the celebration of Marty’s life.