Apr 4, 1945 - Mar 28, 2022
John M. Vargo Sr., 76, of Altoona, passed away Monday. He was born in Cresson, son of the late Joseph and Barbara (Wasilko) Vargo. He married Patricia Gavlak on June 11, 1966.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years; two daughters: Theresa Pfeffer and husband, Doug and Christie Taylor and husband, Matt; a son, John Jr. and wife, Andrea; five grandchildren: Hannah, Kendra, Justin, Johna, and Hugh; a sister, Barbara Menichino; and two brothers: David and Karl.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Torok; two brothers: Tom and Jerome; and his other mother, Anna Gavlak.
John graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle in 1962 and then earned a B.S. in Education in 1966 from St. Francis University. He continued his education at Penn State University, earning his Master’s degree.
John served in the US Navy for 42 years as a PN3, serving two tours in Vietnam on the USS Intrepid. He served as past president of NERA.
John taught French for 31 years at BGHS and Tyrone High School. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
John enjoyed shooting pool, spending time with family, swimming at the Blairmont, cheering on Penn State and Steelers football, and watching movies with his wife.
He was known for his kindness, generosity, storytelling, sense of humor, smarts, love of teaching and family, dedication to the military, writing poems, and his beautiful singing voice. John sang in various local church choirs. He and his wife provided musical accompaniment for many weddings, funerals, and churches.
John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a Vigil service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am Saturday at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Msgr. Stanley Carson, Celebrant.
Committal at Alto Reste Park.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard: 1665 Newry Lane Duncansville Pa, 16635.
www.sorgefuneralhome.com
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