Richard E. Varish

Richard Eugene Varish, 87, died Monday, October 12, 2026 at his home following a 10-year battle with vascular dementia.

 Born August 18, 1939, in Meadville, PA., he was the son of the late Thomas and Jean (Walters) Varish. A basketball player at Spartansburg High School, he met Donna, a high school cheerleader, whom he would eventually marry. Their love story began nearly 70 years ago. 

Richard graduated from Edinboro University and went on to teach high school chemistry and biology at Fairfield Public Schools for several years. Throughout his teaching career, he received science grants in Maryland, Ohio, and Montana. One of his favorite activities was serving as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 79, a role he held for many years. He also served for 18 years as a supervisor for Freedom Township, and devoted considerable time to the Gideons organization. Hunting was always an important part of Richard's life. He was a longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church and later attended Memorial Baptist Church. One of Richard's greatest joys was spending time with his children and grandchildren at his home in Florida, where they could enjoy daily trips to Disney. 

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Donna; three children, Tamara Reed, Thomas Varish, and T. Kevin Varish and wife Lori; seven grandchildren, Andrew Varish and wife Jamie, Megan Evans and husband Chris, Mackenzie Cote and husband Stephen, Amanda Keppler and husband Joshua, Gregory Varish, Breanna Scott and husband Travis, and Mason Varish; eight great-grandchildren, Luca and Lucy Varish, Kedrin and Aria Evans, Libby Cote, and Ava, Colton, and Ellianna Keppler; and his sister, Sandra Hajec. 

In addition to his parents, Richard was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, John Reed, and his brother-in-law, John Hajec. 

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Evergreen Cemetery, 750 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg. Arrangements are entrusted to Brandenburg & Stein Funeral Parlor, Gettysburg.