Obituary of Anthony Vara

Anthony Vara, 68, resident of Wappingers Falls, NY, entered into rest Monday, December 26, 2016 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was surrounded by his family and known as the man with the Golden Voice. Anthony Vara was born November 25, 1948 in the Bronx. He was the son of the late Alfred and Rita Vara. He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Amitrano on April 14, 1973 at Mount Carmel Church in the Bronx. Mr. Vara served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in May of 1974. He worked as a credit collector for many years, most recently for Castle Oil in Mamaroneck, until his retirement. His true passion was music. He started out singing Doo Wop on the corner of Belmont Ave and Cambrelling Ave in the Bronx as a teenager. He went on to sing with several groups throughout the years: "Destinaires", "Ovation", "Frank Terris Orchestra" and "Randy and the Rainbows". Anthony Vara appeared on PBS for his part in the Doo Wop 50 albums. He was even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After his retirement, he continued to sing and travel for numerous performances. Mr. Vara was a loving husband, father and a friend to many. Anthony was also a member of St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls. Anthony is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Wappingers Falls; his son, Anthony Vara, Jr. and his wife, Gabriella of Perryville, MD ; daughter, Victoria Mylod and her husband, Patrick of Poughkeepsie; brother, Alfred Vara and wife Carolyn, of Sidney Center; grandchildren, Emma Rose Mylod and Dianna Rose Vara; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Anthony's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.