Obituary of August S Varca

August (Augie) Varca passed away Friday, May 20, 2011 surrounded by his devoted family. Born March 24, 1920 in Lumberport, West Virginia to Frank and Theresa Varca, he was one of six children including brother Pat, and sisters Mary (Dadisman), Rose (Kremer), Jenny (Marziale), and Eva (Tilenni). The family left West Virginia and came to Akron in the 1920s, answering the call for workers in the rubber factories. Shortly after graduation from East High School, Augie went to work at Firestone Tire & Rubber. Augie was a talented amateur baseball player. While working at Firestone, Augie was a catcher for the United Rubber Workers 1939 team who compiled an outstanding 61-27 record. One of his teammates and a life­long friend, Gene Woodling, went on to play for the New York Yankees. After the outbreak of war, Augie enlisted in the army in 1942. As a medic, he achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant in the Army's 155th Station Hospital. He served with valor in the Pacific Theatre while stationed in Australia, New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, Morotai and the Halmahera Group of Islands. He was awarded The Bronze Star for meritorious service. Upon his 1945 honorable discharge from active service, Augie returned to Akron. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Josephine (Jo) Arcuri. They married October 5, 1946. For nearly 60 years, their union was one of love and devotion; an inspiration to all those around them. Sadly, Jo passed away in 2006. Working full time at Firestone, providing for his growing family, Augie also began part time at the family hardware business his parents opened in 1948: Varca Hardware. As the business grew into what was to become an Akron institution, Augie left Firestone and joined his father and brother in 1954 on a full time basis. To those that knew him, he truly enjoyed each and every day working at "The Hardware". After 58 years in business, he retired and closed the business in 2006. A devout Catholic, August attended St. Paul Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was elevated to 3rd Degree Knight. As a Knight of Columbus, Augie also carried on another life-long pastime: league bowling, which he did well into later life. He also belonged to the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) in Akron. He is survived by his five children, daughters Patty Evans (Randy), Marlene Hall (Jim), and Maria Varca; sons Jim (Janice) and Rick (Dodie); eleven grandchildren Dena (Jim), Joey, Jamie (Brian), Matt, Angel (Jerry), Bill (Haidee), Jillian, Derek, Angela, Brett and Brandon, and ten great-grandchildren Tyler, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Nikolas, McKensey, Alexis, Aidan, Ricky, Carmen, and August as well as many other relatives and dear friends. Special thanks to Summa Hospice Care and caregiver Pam for the love and care they gave. The family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron, where the Knights of Columbus Council #3410 will recite a rosary at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church 1580 Brown St. in Akron. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, where VFW Post 3383 will provide military honors.