Robert “Bob” Leo Vargo, 91, of Indiana, PA passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2020 in Beacon Ridge Nursing Home, Indiana, PA.
He was the son of the late Joseph and Irene (Kane)Vargo and was born in Indiana, PA on September 12, 1928.
Bob was raised in the community of Indiana and came from a large family. He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School and was a 1946 graduate of Indiana High School. After high school, Bob attended and graduated from the State Teacher’s College of Indiana, which is now Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
After college, Bob spent two years in the United States Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Having previously worked part-time at National Mine Service, Co., Bob rejoined the company and worked for 40 years in various capacities including Materials Manager, Sales Manager, and General Warehouse Manager both in the Pittsburgh and Indiana offices. He retired in 1990.
After retirement Bob kept active with part-time marketing work with several agencies including the Indiana Vocational Workshop. He was appointed as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Indiana County, a position he held for nine years. Most recently Bob had worked in marketing for S & S Screen Printing Co.
Bob was an active member of the community, having served as a board member of the Indiana County Guidance Center and Association for the Blind. He was a charter member of the Indiana Jaycees, and was a current and longstanding member of the Indiana Rotary Club, having previously served as president, treasurer, and a board member. He was also a past president of the IUP Alumni Association. Bob worked on the fundraising committee for the Historical Society, and was a corporate board member of Citizens Ambulance Service. He served as an ambassador for the local Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a greeter at St. Thomas More University Parish.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Audrey (Drass) Vargo; two children, Don Vargo (Sue) of Hilton Head, SC, and Kathy (Vargo) Cauthen of Anderson, SC; four grandchildren, Joe Vargo (Rachel) of Atlanta, GA, Allison Nemec (Jon) of Concord, NC, Michelle Choromanski (Rob) of Concord, NC, and Brian Cauthen (Kristin) of Greenville, SC; three great-grandchildren, Audrey Clare and Bennett Leo Choromanski, and Charlotte Joyce Cauthen. Bob has three siblings, Jean Bush, Peggy Nibert, and Jim Vargo.
In addition to his parents, Bob was also preceded in death by three siblings, Joseph Vargo Jr., John Vargo, and Catherine Ann (Nan) Vargo.
As per Bob’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday at St. Thomas More University Parish. In accordance with requests from the diocese the funeral mass will only be open to the family. A private burial will take place at St. Bernard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Thomas More University Parish or the Beacon Ridge nursing and rehabilitation home in Bob’s memory.
The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital and at Beacon Ridge along with the many friends and family members that called, sent food or cards, and most importantly prayed for Bob during this difficult time.
Services are being handled by Robinson-Lytle Funeral Home, Indiana.
To view the online obituary, sign the guest registry or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfh-monuments. com
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