Gerald E. Vargo Obituary
Gerald E. Vargo, 80, of Julian, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 20, 2023 in the presence of his wife and children. We are pretty sure his loving dog Lola was standing at heaven's gate to welcome him home. Born on December 22, 1942, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Lawrence V. and Helen R. (Fye) Vargo. On April 13, 1963, in Coleville, he married Patricia E. Leathers, who survives at home. Gerald was a 1960 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School; a 1964 graduate of Lock Haven University, earning a B.A. in Education; and a 1970 graduate of Penn State University, earning his M.Ed.
He was a Biology teacher at the Selinsgrove Area School District, retiring after more than 30 years of service. Gerald was a member of Watermarke Church in Bellefonte, and the Howard Area Lions Club. He was also a proud and active member of the NRA and the Heritage Foundation. He had an active life, enjoying all varieties of hunting, trout fishing, ammo reloading, playing cards, and watching Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football on TV. An avid clarinet player, he enjoyed being a member of the Selinsgrove Area Adult Band for many years.
As a teacher, Gerald took students to the National Science Fair several times and was extremely proud of the accomplishments his students made. Also, he sponsored a highly anticipated Natural Foods Day for his students at Selinsgrove High School for many years. While living in Selinsgrove, Gerald was active in the Mid-Penn Sportsman Club and the Kratzerville Fire Company, helping with many fundraisers and events. He was also a huge supporter of the Selinsgrove School District athletic department. He attended Friday night football games, cheered on the track teams, and rarely missed a wrestling match!
This is only a short list of hobbies Gerald had, but his favorite thing to do was to tell stories about his hunting experiences or the fish that got away. Gerald is survived by his wife, Patricia; one son, Michael E. Vargo and his wife, Karen, of Laurens, SC; two daughters: Lori L. Tanner and her husband, Ed, of Jonesboro, AR, and Cherie K. Myers and her husband, Steve, of Parkton, MD and two brothers: David J. Vargo and his wife, Brenda "Sue", of Laotto, IN, and William J. Vargo and his wife, Kathy, of Julian; two. brothers-in-law: Richard M. Leathers of Bellefonte and Dennis L. Leathers, and his wife, Bonnie, of Bellefonte.
Gerald is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Luke, Matthew, Taylor, Troy, Tracy, Lindsey, Emily, Zachary, Jacob, and Phoebe and two great. grandchildren: Dominic and Eneka. Along with his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Vargo, one brother-in-law, Douglas A. Leathers and one sister-in- law, Beverly A. Sampsell. Public visitation will be on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 10-11AM at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc, 201 Spring St. Milesburg followed by a funeral service at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Steppe officiating.
Burial will be private at the Advent Cemetery in Boggs Twp. In lieu of flowers, Jerry's family asks that memorial contributions be made to Watermarke Church, 1690 Zion Rd. Bellefonte, PA 16823.
