“What’s in a Name”

HERKIMER, NY – George A. Varlaro, the “Godfather,” was 185 pounds of rompin’ stompin’ sex appeal to his many admirers—both male and female—until Sunday, October 8, 2017 where the long-time resident of Herkimer, NY passed away righteously.

A former Seabee, Godfather was not a draft-dodger, obtaining Petty Officer Second Class rank while serving in the Vietnam War. The combat veteran served our great country from 1964-68, and had one simple message to relay before coming home: “fill the ice box with beer, get the civies out of the moth balls, fill the car with gas, and get the kids off the street because the ‘kid’ is coming back!”

Once stateside, George lived life to its fullest. He married for over two decades, drag raced until the mid-1990s, invented through 2000, and became a grandpa to Marcus in 2016. Some might remember him most for the delicious desserts he made on Channel 99, or his “Do Drags, Not Drugs,” slogan, but those paled in comparison to the compassion he showed for his surviving children Crystal, Valentino, and Giorgio.

Other survivors include his brothers Al, Joseph, and Christopher Varlaro; aunt Mary LaPuma and family; uncle Tony Annutto and family; his cousins Madeline, Tim, and Warren Lawrence; Crystal Kraszewski and family; Francis Mariano and family; Paul and Jasmin Mortka; Gladys Varlaro, Patricia Perry, Marianne Frye, Joseph DePalma, Army Captain Ward Halverson, Army Staff Sargent Charlie Wilson, Marine Corporal Fred Rank, Petty Officer Second Class Clint Saltsman, Army Specialist Eric Watkins, “Coach,” the “East Utica Boys,” and the “Can Do” veterans who served our country.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Friday, October 13, 2017 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to NBT Bank), 527 East Albany Street in Herkimer, NY, 315-866-1500. In respect to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street VW, Washington, DC 20006, which was near and dear to the Godfather, donations will be received during the wake on its behalf. “Taps” will be played to conclude the service. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.

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