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Celebrating the life of Richard Vargas Jr.
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Obituary for Richard Vargas Jr.
A Celebration of Richard's life will occur on Friday, January 14, 2022 at:
Camphor United Methodist Church 5620 Wyalusing Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131
Viewing: 9 AM Service: 11 AM
Go to www.cwoodfh.com . Click the third box under Richard picture Click "watch Webcast:"
The Live Stream Service will begin at: 10:00 a.m.
Interment: Private
The Obituary
Richard Vargas Jr. was born to the late Ricardo Vargas Sr. and Rosa Maria Rodan Vargas on March 8th, 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The second oldest of six children, Richard was proceeded in death by his mother, father, and older brother Ralph. Richard grew up in North Philadelphia and was educated in the Philadelphia Public School District. Richard was fortunate enough, after a mutual friend persistently asking, to meet and go out with Geneva Wood. Even though she was just out of the Air Force, studying to be a laboratory technician and had no time for dating, Geneva decided to give in to the matchmaker and pursue a relationship with Richard. She was completely swept away by his comedic personality;his genuine heart and it didn’t hurt that she thought that he was “so handsome”. Their relationship greatly progressed over time leading to marriage and the birth of their only child Duane. On September 11th, 2021 Richard and Geneva Vargas were blessed to be able to celebrate 50 years of marriage. Richard worked for the Philadelphia School Board as an engineer for over 35 years. He left a positive and lasting impression at every school he worked on. He had the distinction of one of the few engineers in the city qualified to operate a coal burning heater. He found love in waking up before the sun to make sure any school that needed him had access to his help. While employed, Richard found his passion, which lasted well after his retirement, Public Service. Richard, along with his political partner Anton Hackett, served as committeemen in the Wynnefield area for over 20 years. He took pride in his neighborhood. Richard worked hard to keep his neighbors of the “Loop” connected and informed before the benefit of social media was available. Richard was visible at our polling place (Channel 17) throughout every election. He was also an active member of the Wynnefield Residence Association and volunteered tirelessly for the less fortunate at food banks, outreach programs and homeless shelters. Richard enjoyed retirement and more importantly enjoyed vacationing during his retirement years. Richard and Geneva, along with “Cruise Ship Buddies ”and partners Barbara and the late Tyrone Ross set sail to Europe and almost every tropical island you could name. Richard was always the life of the party, easily made friends and made sure they all had the best experiences. Richard lived a full life and even as his health started to fail Richard could be found in his wheelchair smoking a cigar. We all have such great and fond memories of Richard Vargas and if you don’t have a personal story with him that makes you smile, I’m sure you have heard of one that will make you laugh. Richard leaves behind to mourn his loss his wife Geneva, son Duane, grandsons Jaiden and Justin, their mother Denise Smith, sisters Carmen and Dolly, brothers Willie and Tony, his wife Petra, brother and sister-in-law Victor and Rande Jackson, nieces and nephews Courtney and Brian, Jaime and Michael, Fred and Erica, Conchita and Rosa, Carlos, Amanda, Ester, and Tony Jr. Goddaughter Eleasa Dash, Coletta Brady along with numerous Cousins, Family, Neighbors and Friends! Sorrowfully Submitted, The Vargas Family
We request family and friends who prefer to send plants or flowers, to coordinate with one of the following reliable local florists:..
Have the florist deliver your selection to the church no later than 8:30 a.m. the day of the service.
DUE TO A GLITCH IN OUR SYSTEM PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING NOTATION REGARDING ANY ORDERS INCLUDING FLOWERS, CANDLES OR MEMORIAL TREE PLANTINGS WITH THE TRIBUTE STORE!!!! THANK YOU!!
