AQUILLA VLG. – Steve Vargo, 96, of Aquilla Village, passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. He was born Jan. 22, 1921, in Cleveland.
Steve attended Montville Elementary School. He married Ida McGurer on Oct. 26, 1945, in Jefferson. Steve is now reunited with his loving wife of over 70 years, Ida A. Vargo, who died Sept. 16, 2017.
Steve, a World War II U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran, served over Italy in 1944 and 1945 as a tail gunner for the 781st Bomb Squadron, 465th Bomb Group (H), 15th Air Force. He was the last surviving member of his squadron.
After getting out of the Army, he worked as a carpenter for Lunka Brothers Construction in Painesville, and later as a self-employed carpenter, building many homes in Geauga County and the surrounding areas.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting trips to West Virginia and fishing trips to Michigan with his two sons.
In later years, he enjoyed going to garage sales with his wife, Ida.
Steve is survived by his sons, Lester (Joyce) Vargo, of Mesopotamia, and Dennis (Susan) Vargo, of Middlefield; 10 grandchildren, Rachel, (Brian) Dean, of Bristolville, Stacey (Tony) Sole, of Chardon, Tammy (Joseph Jr.) Pavlic, of Kinsman, Christina (Joseph) Walsh, of Middlefield, Gary (Hollie) Randell, of Orwell, Richard (Kristen) Randell, of Arizona, Amber (Dan) Earls, of Colebrook, Devyn (Dominic) Maniglia, of Burton, Breanne (Derek) Ashba, of Middlefield, Dakota (Tasha Mann) Vargo, of Chardon; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
His parents, three sisters and two brothers preceded him in death.
Per Steve’s wishes, no services will be held.
In honor of his memory, donation are requested to be made to the Geauga County Veterans Service Commission, 470 Center St., Ste. 5-B, Chardon, OH 44024.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.