Obituary of Nicholas Varga

VARGA, Nicholas, age 83, of Hammonton, NJ, passed peacefully from this life January 7, 2016. Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Nick graduated from Trenton Catholic High School in 1950 and went on to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1956 as a registered Pharmacist. During his college career Nick worked for NJ transit as a train conductor (and also for the Post Office) to pay for his college tuition. After he graduated, Nick did his internship at Bellevue Drug in downtown Hammonton for his father who owned and operated the pharmacy at the time. It was not long after that when Nick assumed responsibility of Bellevue Drug Company due to his father's failing health. Thus began Nick Varga's 65 years of caring and commitment to his community and his beloved family and friends. During his professional years as a pharmacy owner, Nick volunteered his time and attention to numerous Councils and Boards for the advancement of community pharmacy, including the National Community Pharmacists Association. He also served as a fellow of the American College of Apothecaries and many other pharmacy groups. Following in his father's footsteps Nick advanced his pharmacy into a successful and well-respected business. His commitment to his customers is legendary and second to none. Nick's service to his community also included over a decade of service to the William B. Kessler Memorial Hospital and its Foundation of the Board of Trustees. Over the years Nick had been recognized on numerous occasions by many civic clubs and organizations including the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce, "Nice Going Award" and most recently the 2015 Business of the Year Award. There are countless stories retold by members of the community, including his beloved customers, and his selfless caring for all, including personal deliveries of desperately needed medications after hours and on holidays when the pharmacy was closed. Nick was truly a 24/7 pharmacist and leaves behind a legacy of 65 years of service, love and devotion to Hammonton and the surrounding community. Nick lived for his family--his love for them was never-ending. They were so important to him next to his faith. His constant support and the love he extended to his family provided him the utmost joy in his life. He was a selfless man who went out of his way for others whenever or wherever he was needed. Nick is predeceased by many dear friends and golf buddies with whom he enjoyed many hours of good food and good times. Nicholas was predeceased by his parents, George and Marie Varga, his wife, Isabel Varga, daughter Carla Garrison, and brothers Dr. George Varga and Theodore Varga. Nick is survived by his brother Dr. Francis Varga (Anita) NY, sister Alice Varga, CA, sister-in-law Carol Varga, TX, step-children, Margherita A. Pitale, Frank Pitale III (Angela), Alexander Pitale, and son-in-law William Garrison. Loving grandfather of Keena York (Tim), James Morano (Jessica), Frances Hoffman (Justin), Liesse Strader (Griffin) and Nicole Garrison. Great Grandfather to Claire and Rocco Morano and Isabella Hoffman. Nick is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Nick Varga was the epitome of a true gentleman—a loving, kind, giving man. He will be greatly missed by his family, both personal and professional friends, and by the members of his community that he loved and served for a lifetime. The words placed here are not enough to express just how much Nick meant to all of us. A visitation will be held Saturday January 16, 2016 9 AM to 12 Noon at St Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish – St. Anthony of Padua Church 285 Rt. 206, Hammonton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 124 S First Rd, Hammonton, NJ. Arrangements entrusted to Carnesale Funeral Home 202 S 3rd St., Hammonton NJ. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. John's Hospice, 1221 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 and St. Vincent de Paul Society, 266 French Street, Hammonton, NJ 08037.