Paul Lewis Varsalona
Born September 4, 1919: In Arma, Kansas to Joseph & Carmella Varsalona.
Paul was the youngest of 7 brothers and 4 sisters.
After Pearl Harbor like so many young patriots, he heard the call and did not hesitate to join The Army.
Paul entered into WWII on August 5, 1941 as a member of the 19th US Army Engineer Regiment 2nd Corp-Combat at 22 years old.
Paul’s 2nd Core Combat Unit served more consecutive days in combat than any other regiment in the war from 1941 through 1945.
One of his deployments took him through Tunisia, North Africa where he participated in The Great Battle between George S. Patton’s Second Army and German General Erwin Rommel at The Kasserine Pass.
Following his mission through North Africa, his company fought in Sicily, Italy and France until the end of the war in 1945.
During his 4 years of service in WWII he
received the follow Service Awards:
~ 5 Bronze Campaign Service Stars
~ 1 Silver Campaign Star
~ European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
~ American Defense Service Medal
~ Good Conduct Medal
Paul was Honorably Discharged on August 31, 1945.
Upon returning from the war to his hometown of Arma he joined The American Legion of Arma Kansas in 1946 where he has remained a member for the past 73 years.
Over the following two years he moved to Chicago to work and continue his education by attending Northwestern. Later, upon returning to his hometown, he attended Pittsburg State and met the love of his life Dorothy Jean Crockett.
Paul & Dorothy were married on January 3, 1947 and had 3 children Paula, Frank & Carmella. They we’re married 48 years until Dorothy’s passing on June 19, 1996.
As an entrepreneur and devoted family man Paul owned and operated several successful Kansas City area businesses supporting his family from 1951-1973: Benton Liquors, Charlie’s Liquors, V&M Cigar Company and Skelly Oil & Gas Station. Paul then retired at the age of 55 then later co-founded Paula Varsalona Ltd. New York City in 1975 along with his daughter Paula.
Paul gave more than his share of community service by devoting time to several charitable organizations such as:
~ Montville UNICO where her was a member for 30 years
~ The Marillac Center where he worked to raise money for children in need. In 1995 he received the Marillac Silver Lining award for his volunteer work.
~ The St. Joseph’s Table at St. Mark’s, St. Pius, St. Bernadette’s and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Independence, Kansas City area.
Paul’s good works honored him with the induction into The Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta where he has remained an active member for the past 29 years.
Paul was honored as “Fire Chief For The Day” Eureka, MO on June 7, 2017.
Paul is Survived by:
His children: Paula Varsalona-Marino and her husband Joseph, Frank Varsalona and his wife Connie, and Carmella Mongold and her husband Richard.
Grandchildren: Jennifer Mongold-Lopez and her husband Javier, Alexandra Paula Marino and Samantha Mongold
Step-grandchildren: Leslie Schmidt, her husband Rick and their children Joshua, Natalie and Jessie. Kerry Gamber, her husband Kevin and their children: Zachary, Ian & Declan.
Godchildren: Amy Shunick, Carl Nelson Crockett, Erin Heilman and Ryan Varsalona
Paul was Predeceased by:
Dorothy (Crockett) Varsalona (1996)
Brothers: Carl, Joe, Sam, Frank, Johnny and Charles “Knute”
Sisters: Rose, Mary, Sue and Patricia
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests Memorial contributions are to be made to UNICO National Foundation (memo) Dorothy Varsalona Cancer Fund and mailed to:
UNICO National
271 US-46 F103
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Visitation:
Thursday, June 6, 2019
St. Mark’s Catholic Church
3736 South Lee’s Summit Road
Independence MO, 64055
Rosary: 5:30pm
Visitation: 6-8pm
Funeral Mass:
Friday, June 7, 2019 at 11am
St. Mark’s Catholic Church
3736 South Lee’s Summit Road
Independence MO, 64055
Internment: immediately following:
Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, MO
Thank you to all who have shared in his life journey...including his many family and friends he leaves behind.
As Paul always said…
I HAVE NO REGRETS “I DID IT MY WAY”
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