Jaan Robert Vari

Born in Hanau, Germany, to Vilma Lett Vari and August Vari, of Estonia, at the age of 3, Jaan, his twin sister Anu and their parents immigrated to the United States, where the family settled in Poughkeepsie, NY. After graduating from Arlington High School, in LaGrangeville, NY, in 1967, Jaan enlisted in the US Navy, completing specialized SERE training in California, before being deployed to Vietnam for two tours of duty. While in Vietnam he was stationed in Qui Nhon, serving with the Inshore Undersea Warfare, Group 1, Unit 3, Western Pacific Detachment Task Force.

Upon returning home, the teen who had prioritized water sports (including crew) and scouting (Eagle Scout) above his studies, had morphed into a disciplined student who earned degrees from Dutchess Community College (DCC), SUNY Brockport, and Sage Graduate School, before going on to enjoy a career as an educator at two of his alma maters: Arlington High School and DCC. During this time, he stayed active in both crew (coaching) and scouting (working summers at the waterfront and serving on the board for Camp Nooteeming), as well as volunteering for the American Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor, and later managing the pool staff at the IBM Country Club. In his free time, Jaan enjoyed scuba diving, skiing and travel.

When he retired, Jaan and his wife moved to Orleans, where he established a new circle of friends with similar interests and a mutual appreciation of coffee at the Hot Chocolate Sparrow; developed a wonderful network of friends among his neighbors; and indulged his passion for travel both at home – a fan of our nation’s National Parks -and abroad – most recently enjoying adventures in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, Europe and Egypt.

Jaan is survived by his wife, Carol Spiak Vari, and his nephew and nieces, Skeeter Duchow, Kim Duchow and France Rancourt. He also leaves behind many cherished friends, former colleagues and students.

Friends and family are invited to join Carol for a Celebration of Jaan’s Life on Saturday, October 17th, beginning at 10:00 AM, at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldridge Parkway, in Orleans, MA. Anyone seeking to make a donation in Jaan’s honor is encouraged to reach out to the Fisher House Foundation, which offers the families of military personnel and veterans receiving inpatient care at major military and VA hospitals a no-cost “home away from home” while loved ones undergo medical treatment. To make a donation visit FisherHouse.org