Josef Varga

It is with heavy hearts that his family announces the peaceful passing of Josef Varga on July 19, 2026, at the age of 92.

Joe was born in Hungary, in the village of Csetény, the eldest beloved son of the late Joszef and Julia Varga.  He was a devoted husband of 58 years to Gizella, and adoring father to Christine, and father-in-law to Glen.  Of his six siblings, Joe is survived by Julia, Borbála, István, and Ferenc, and predeceased by Lajos and Imre.

All who knew him will remember Joe as a man of deeds.  In late 1956, during the revolution, he fled Hungary to Austria, and in 1958, he emigrated to Canada.  This intrepid journey led him to build a wonderful life in Barrie, rich in cherished friends who became his family in his adopted country, alongside dear neighbors and colleagues.  Spending the bulk of his hardworking life as a metal fabrication machine operator, Joe had also worked as a coal miner, and was an industrious do-it-yourselfer who exhibited a multitude of talents at his home work bench; here he immersed himself in figuring out mechanical problems of all kinds, as well as showed himself to be a capable carpenter.  He was also brilliant in the garden, where he enjoyed growing vegetables and feeding the backyard birds.  Although economical with his words, Joe was also clever, with a wry sense of humor.  He was also exceedingly generous and giving of himself – whenever needed, he was always ready, willing and eager to help out.

Joe will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Joe can be made to the Cardiac Care Unit of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre  in Barrie, Ontario, where they will be greatly appreciated.