Richard William Varga

Richard “Dick” William Varga, 91, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, in Toms River, New Jersey. Born on August 2, 1934, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to William and Catherine ( nee Marencik) Varga. Richard grew up in Dunellen, New Jersey, before settling in Colonia, New Jersey, where he resided for a majority of his life, and spending his final years in Manchester, New Jersey.

Richard honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 as a radio operator stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Rutgers University, which became the foundation for a distinguished career spanning four decades with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Throughout his tenure, Richard earned respect for his unwavering commitment and exemplary work ethic. Richard was also a faithful member of St. John Vianney Church in Colonia, New Jersey, for decades.

Richard lived a life of dedication to his family, his friends, his career, and all that brought him joy. A man of many talents and interests, Richard found great joy in singing barbershop music as a chorus member, singing lead, with the Rahway Valley Jerseyaires of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Beyond music, he loved gardening, home maintenance projects, and traveling—pursuits that reflected his creativity, love for exploration, and appreciation for people and experiences that enriched his journey through this world.

He is survived by his son Christopher Varga; his daughter Susan Varga Cosgrove; his son-in-law Gregory Farnham; and his granddaughters Megan Varga-Farnham and Rachel Varga-Farnham. He shared many cherished years with his longtime companion Betty VanNess Babiarz. Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years Helene Degnen Varga; his sister Judith Varga Smith; and his son-in-law Robert Cosgrove.

Our memories of Richard’s life will be treasured by all those who knew him. He lived a truly genuine life, putting love, patience, kindness, and friendship first. May his enduring legacy inspire all who were fortunate to cross his path.

A memorial service will be held at St Gertrude’s Cemetery, 53 Inman Avenue, Colonia, NJ, Good Shepherd Chapel Mausoleum, at 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 30, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in memory of Richard to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Condolences and tributes can be left on this website for the Varga family.