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JACK
VARGO
Sep 19, 1931 — Sep 8, 2026
Parma, OH
Thursday
The Ripepi Funeral Home
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Friday
The Ripepi Funeral Home
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
Jack Vargo, a devoted servant of God, loving husband and father, proud military veteran, dedicated educator and coach, proud member of Laborers' Local 310, and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, at the age of 94.
Jack lived a remarkable life rooted in faith, hard work, service, and-above all-love for his family. His life reflected his favorite Scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."
Jack was the beloved husband of the late Margaret Mary Vargo (née Stropko), with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. He was the dear son of the late Joseph and Josephine Vargo, a beloved brother, and the loving father of Barbara (deceased), Jack, Mary Helen, Elizabeth (Tom), Anne (Jeff), Michael (Jennifer), Kathleen (Tim), Jennifer (Dave), Robert, and Christine (Joe). He was also a cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Jack served his country honorably as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His military service shaped the discipline, leadership, humility, and patriotism he carried throughout his life.
After returning home, Jack dedicated himself to helping young people. He taught and coached at St. Vitus in Cleveland and St. Francis de Sales in Parma from 1957 to 1972, and later taught in the Cleveland Public School System, including at The Jones Home and Metzenbaum Children's Center, until his retirement.
Jack had a special love for children and was known for his patience, encouragement, and genuine care for every child entrusted to him.
To provide for his large family while teaching, he worked summers as a milkman for Producers Milk Company. Later on, Jack became a member of Laborers' Local 310, working for Burkshire Construction. Whatever the job, Jack was dependable, hardworking, and deeply committed to every task. Yet Jack's greatest joy and highest calling was his family.
Together, Jack and Margaret raised their ten children in faith, teaching them the importance of prayer, humility, kindness, integrity and unconditional love. Jack was the foundation of his family, and a loving presence they could always depend on.
Those who knew Jack will remember his gentle heart, his kindness, his sense of responsibility, and the way he made others feel cared for and valued. His home was filled with faith, laughter and love. Though his family deeply mourns his passing, they find comfort in their faith and in the promise that he has entered the kingdom of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, hearing the words: "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
Services at the funeral home, Friday, September 18, 2026 at 10 a.m. The procession will leave the funeral home at 11 a.m. for Military Honors and Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.) THURSDAY, September 17, 2026 from 4-7 p.m.
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