Patricia C. (Gavlak) Vargo

March 17, 1945 - Aug 2, 2024

Patricia C. (Gavlak) Vargo, 79, of Altoona, passed away Friday at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Hastings, daughter of the late Dominic and Anna (Korsala) Gavlak. She married John M. Vargo Sr. on June 11, 1966, who preceded her in death in 2022, after sharing 55 years of marriage.  

Surviving are 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, Elizabeth Wasilko; and dear adventuring buddy Cece Peterson.

She was preceded in death by three sisters: Mary Gavlak, Anna Novak, and Regina Brothers; and two brothers: John and Dennis Gavlak.

Patricia graduated from the first class of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in 1963 and earned a B.S. in Early Education in 1966 from St. Francis University and received her Masters in Education from Penn State.

Patricia loved kids. Over her 30 years as a teacher, she taught at Blair County Altoona Head Start, 1st grade and music at Sacred Heart Catholic School, and retired from Tyrone Elementary school where she taught 5th grade.

She played the organ in several local churches with her husband to accompany many weddings, funerals, and regular masses. Many former students will remember all the Irish songs sung at her St. Patrick’s Day birthday and the “Peanut Butter Jelly” song during class breaks.

Patricia loved God, family, and people. She was generous with her time, kind words, and hugs/affection. Mrs. Vargo had the uncanny ability to make everyone feel important and seen. Mrs. V was an educator, counselor, and nurturer, who held strongly to her beliefs and fought for what she knew was right.

Patricia, known as Baba, loved spending time with family, especially her grandkids. She loved spending time with her husband, eating out, watching movies, swimming at the Blairmont, going on car rides, and eating ice cream. 

She loved attending mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

Patricia will be missed by many.      

Friends will be received from 4-8pm Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a Vigil service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am Thursday, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, with Msgr. Stanley Carson, Celebrant.

Committal at Alto Reste Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Bishop Carroll Catholic High School Angel Fund: 728 Ben Franklin Highway Ebensburg PA 15931 or to Catholic Charities: www.dioceseaj.org.

sorgefuneralhome.com

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