Fran was born on February 18, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to Anna and Angelo Congemi. A bright and capable young woman, she graduated from Valley Stream North High School in 1960, completed secretarial school, and began her career as a secretary with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at Idlewild Airport, (later John F. Kennedy International Airport).
It was while working at the FAA that Fran met John Varoli, and they were married in May 1962 and shared 64 years together, building a life rooted in family.
Faith and service were important parts of Fran’s life. She was a dedicated parishioner at the Church of the Assumption, where she belonged to the Rosary Altar Society and generously supported parish fundraising. She also gave her time and voice to the Emerson community by serving an elected term on the Emerson Board of Education and as a member of the Emerson Historic Preservation Committee.
Fran had a wonderful sense of style and enjoyed travel, cosmetics, and cooking. Making homemade ravioli with family will remain a treasured memory. She also shared her elegance with others as an Estée Lauder beauty consultant at Lord & Taylor and B. Altman & Company.
Above all, Fran loved her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, John, and their children, Joanne Franklin (Fred), Jacqueline Grace, John David Varoli (Natasha), Jennifer Licini, and Jonathan Varoli (Kyrah).
She was a proud and devoted grandmother to fourteen cherished grandchildren: Ridgely Franklin, Payton Franklin, Alexandra Grace, Daniel Varoli, David Varoli, Noelle Varoli, Dasha Okolysheva, Gabriella Licini, Dominick Licini, Lexia Varoli, Harrison Varoli, Warren Varoli, Hamilton Varoli, and Carra Varoli. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert Congemi and Albert Congemi (Ginny).
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Angelo and Anna Congemi, and her stepmother, Flora Congemi.
She will also be remembered by Matthew Grace, Daniel Licini, and Anastasia Vasilevskaya, the parents of her grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Fran on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, New Jersey 07675.
A funeral Mass celebrating Fran’s life will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption, 29 Jefferson Avenue, Emerson, New Jersey 07630.
Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Road, Airmont, New York 10952.
Those wishing to honor Fran’s memory may make memorial donations in her name to New Hope, Inc., P.O. Box 8763, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677, or send flowers to the funeral home.
