George Edward Varan

George Edward Varan, 90 Industrial Engineer Lakeland- Mr. George Edward Varan died on August 29, 2014 at his home due to congestive heart failure. He was born January 12, 1924 in Export, PA. George was high school valedictorian, a Carnegie Tech graduate in Pittsburgh, PA, Phi Kappa Theta fraternity member, avid golfer, horse race enthusiast, and also loved playing bridge with his wife Mina! He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the South Pacific. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank Vranovich and Sima ""Sadie"" Zatezalo both immigrants from Yugoslavia entering through Ellis Island, brother Frank, sister Dolores Kozloff, and sister Mildred Queen. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Mina Jo; daughter Valerie Leigh and her husband Bill Gilliam, Denver, CO; son Mark Gregory and his wife Lynn Bielicki Varan, Chantilly, VA; two grandchildren, Brendan Michael Varan and Zachary Ryan Varan; and special nephew David Kozloff. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday September 5, 2014 at 11a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 501 E. Carter Road, Lakeland, FL. Burial will be held at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Service: 09/05/2014 St. John Neumann Catholic Church 501 E. Cater Road, Lakeland, Florida 33813