Joseph John Vare Jr.

Joe was born in Philadelphia, to parents, Joseph, Sr. and Eileen Vare. Joe graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1966, and upon graduation enlisted in the Air Force, where he served as a Senior Airman, under the rank of sergeant. Upon leaving the service, he went on to establish a career as an auto insurance adjuster, working for GEICO Insurance for most of his employment. Upon leaving, his enthusiasm for customer service in the auto industry followed him along to subsequent jobs, before his eventual retirement.

Once Joe’s work life was behind him, he enjoyed spending time with family, as well as catching up on his beloved Food Network shows and news programs. He loved watching the Phillies and Eagles especially when they won their latest series of championships. He was a man of connection. Joe was fueled by finding out the commonality that he shared with a stranger, or staff members working at any restaurant or medical facility. He found joy texting his family daily, especially when he could share the latest joke, fun fact, or favorite emoji. Joe’s sense of humor, pride in his children and grandchildren’s achievements, were shared with all who would listen.

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Vare, his parents, Joseph, Sr. and Eileen Vare, his parents-in-law, Joseph and Dorothy Glanzmann, as well as his siblings, Patrice Vare, Michele Meier, and Mark Vare, and his sister-in-law Catherine Vare (née Janus).

Additionally, Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Janice Vare (née Glanzmann), as well as their children Shannon Christine (Tom), Jennifer Vare (Paul Hollinger), Susan Vare, and Joseph John Vare, III (Kristina, née Biscardi), as well as his daughter-in-law, Samantha Vare. Joe is likewise survived by his grandchildren, Casey Christine, Colby Christine, and Olivia Whitta-Vare. He is also survived by his siblings Denise Vare Bolton (Dave), Gina Vare, Christopher Vare, and Michael Vare (Diane, née Muhlberger), as well as many nieces and nephews, and their spouses and children.

A visitation for Joe will be held at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Rd, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056, on June 11, 2026, from 9:30am to 11:30am. His celebration of life service will follow at 11:30am. A committal service with full military honors will follow at 1:00pm at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph Vare’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, using this link: Donate in Honor of Someone. Or you may send checks payable to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.