Richard Varella Sr., age 82 of Hobart, Indiana passed away peacefully on Monday, August 22, 2022 at home.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Varella; son, Richard Varella Jr.; grandsons, Jacob (Jen) Varella, Alec Nesmith and Nathan Betz; great grandchildren, Bailey and Jacob Varella; brother, Dan Varella; and loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Agapito and Lucinda Varela; six brothers and four sisters.

Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at the U.S. Army Arctic Test Center, Fort Greely, Alaska. After his service, Richard worked for Inland Steel (Mittal) as a refrigeration and heating technician where he then retired after 31 years. Richard was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Lake Station, IN and a 49 year member of the American Legion Post #100, Lake Station, IN. Richard loved spending time with his family and friends and started and organized many yearly camping trips and family reunion picnics. He was also an avid bowler, scout leader and sports coach for his son. He was so loved and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 29, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Rd., Hobart. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 12:00 pm directly at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2447 Putnam Ave., Lake Station. He will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .