Obituary of Paul Stephen Varga

FR. PAUL VARGA, OFM CONV 1936-2025 Fr. Paul (Stephen) Varga, OFM Conv., a Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 in Brick Township, NJ. Born in Trenton on December 1, 1936, he was son of the late Stephen and Catherine (nee Chmielewski) Varga, and brother to Kathy, Michael, and the late + Joseph. He was the proud uncle of Joseph Varga, Jr., Joseph Manfredo, Jr., Kara Valentino, and Paul Varga, along with several grand-nieces and nephews and cousins. A graduate of Trenton Catholic, he attended St. Francis College Seminary in Staten Island. He entered the Novitiate of the Conventual Franciscans in Middleburgh, NY, professing first vows on August 12, 1957. He professed solemn vows on October 11, 1960, while completing theological studies at St. Anthony-on-Hudson in Rensselaer, NY. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1963. Fr. Paul's first assignment was at Canevin High School in Pittsburgh, PA, where he taught from 1963-69. He then began a lengthy ministry in the parochial apostolate, serving at the following parishes: St. Raphael in Burlington, Ontario (1969-72); St. Augustine of Canterbury in St. Bruno, Quebec and St. Clare in Longueuil, Quebec (1972-88); St. John the Apostle in Kingston, Ontario (1988-89); St. Peter in Riverside, NJ (1989-91). He then spent time back in Burlington, Ontario and then in Syracuse. In 1999, Fr. Paul began a six-year assignment as Chaplain to McAuley Hall in S. Plainfield, NJ. A true Jersey Boy, Fr. Paul's last parochial assignment was at St. Peter in Pt. Pleasant Beach, where he served as Parochial Vicar until his health declined. At that time, Fr. Paul entered Crest Pointe Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, where he remained until his death. Visitation will be held Friday, October 10 from 9:30am-10:30am at St. Peter Church (406 Forman Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter's on Friday, October 10 at 11:00am. Internment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Trenton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Education Fund (12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City MD 21042).