April
25, 1925 - Dec. 15, 2009SOUTH BEND - Thomas J. Varga of South Bend, IN, husband of Elizabeth J. Varga, died unexpectedly but peacefully at the couple's winter residence in Fort Myers Beach, FL, this past Tuesday. He was 84. Tom was born April 25, 1925, to Thomas Michael and Marguerite Varga in South Bend. He spent his early years in Pittsburgh, but after both parents died at a young age he and his older sister Marguerite returned to South Bend where he was raised by loving extended family. A football quarterback, he graduated from Washington High School in 1941 and attended the University of Notre Dame before entering the Army Air Corps in 1943. He served in Texas as a flight instructor and mechanic on B-29 bombers during World War II. Following completion of his military service in 1946, Tom finished his education at the South Bend College of Commerce. He married his sweetheart, the former Elizabeth (Bette) Boulden, who survives, on October 15, 1949. Tom and Bette recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. Tom's entire 38-year working career was spent with the Associates Investment Company. From a start as a branch manager, he later headed Auto and Truck Financing units before an extended period as president of Auto Club Operations. He retired from Associates at age 62. He is survived by four children and seven grandchildren. They are son, Tom Jr. (Joan) and Christopher, Ann Hastings and Eileen; daughter, Terri (Tom) Vahey; son, Chad (Denise) and Natalie and Zachary; and son, Paul (Kristin) and Bryce and Paige. Tom always enjoyed the social aspects of life, as his family and many friends can attest. He loved golfing, boating and fishing. He was a caring father and a proud grandpa to all his grandchildren. Tom was a man of strong faith and an active member of Corpus Christi Parish for over 40 years. Memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi or to a charity of the donor's choice. Visitation will be available in the Kaniewski Funeral Home on North Bendix Drive on Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Corpus Christi Church on Saturday at 11 a.m.