Elkin Varela

Elkin Varela was born on March 27, 1943 in Medellin, Colombia to Elvira Figueroa and Luis Eduardo Varela. Elkin moved to New York in 1961 and met the love of his life and long time companion, Beatriz Tamayo,in January of 1963. To this union, were born four children: Beatriz Elena, Yolanda, John Elkin, and Mirella Varela.

Elkin was employed at Owens-Illinois, where he worked as a fork lift driver for 25 years. After retiring, Elkin and his wife, Bea, moved to Florida to enjoy their retirement and be amongst his family. Elkin enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved going on cruises and traveled to Las Vegas every year. He was an avid bowler in countless leagues (even bowled a perfect game), loved his music, loved playing the guitar, and most of all, loved to entertain others with his voice. Elkin was always lively and spirited, welcoming everyone into his home and had the gift to make everyone feel like a part of his family.

Elkin, age 77, departed this life on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Trinity Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his brother, Osvaldo Varela and daughter, Beatriz Elena, age 51.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Beatriz Varela, age 76, of Tarpon Springs, FL; daughters, Yolanda Woltz, age 53, of Los Angeles, CA; Mirella Shaffer, age 50, of Port Richey, FL; and son, John Elkin Varela, age 51, of Tarpon Springs, FL; four sisters; two brothers; and eight grandchildren; along with a host of family and friends.