Alexander S. Vargo 1939-2025

Alex will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery in Lowellville with full military honors.

Alex was a cherished father, “Poppy,” brother and uncle, and his vibrant presence will be deeply missed.

Alex was born in June 1939 in Campbell to Alexander and Jennie Vargo. He attended Campbell Memorial High School, graduating in 1957.

Alex was a veteran of the United States Army.

He married the love of his life, Thelma Angelo of Struthers, in July 1964 and is now reunited with her in eternity after 18 long years.

Alex worked primarily in the car industry, first as a salesman and later as a finance manager. In his later years, he worked security at gas well sites, a job he enjoyed alongside his nephew, David.

When the recession of 1982 severely impacted the car industry in Ohio, he moved his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to work under his good friend at Galles Chevrolet. Alex was thoroughly delighted in the culture and food of New Mexico, even when the pozole burned his mouth and sweat beads dripped down his forehead. “The hotter, the better,” he would say.

In the years following their time in Albuquerque, he and Thelma lived in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada; Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and Chandler, Arizona. After Thelma’s passing in 2007, Alex moved back to Youngstown, where he spent his remaining years.

He was an immensely proud Hungarian American and loved reconnecting with his hometown, family, heritage and traditions.

Upon returning to Ohio, Alex immersed himself back into all things Youngstown. He joined a morra team (and was pretty darn good at it for a Hungarian!); frequented the Saxon Club; relished Sunday family dinners at the home of his niece, Kathleen Zamary Bernat; tuned into “Happy Polkaland” weekend broadcasts as, to the dismay of his children, he did over the years as they grew up; savored the ethnic food only found in the area; and spent treasured time with his beloved sister, Rose Marie.

Alex formed a special bond with his nephew David, and they spent many a lunch together at Steak ‘n Shake. Always a football and baseball enthusiast, Alex was happy to be back in a place where his Cleveland teams and Ohio State are widely celebrated. When any of these games were on, you can bet he was glued to the TV. He enjoyed ribbing his Dallas Cowboy fan son and son-in-law any time they played each other — except when Cleveland lost and they did the ribbing.

After a series of serious illnesses and multiple surgeries, Alex needed the 24-hour care of a nursing home. His last several years were spent with Aventura at Assumption Village. True to his vibrant personality, he and his nursing home buddies ruled the roost during their time together there. We are grateful he made good friends to pass the time with and for the kindness afforded to him from the staff members of Assumption.

Alexander is survived by his sister, Rose Marie Zamary of Canfield; daughters, Michele (Wink) Heath of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Lisa (Rick Lauricella) Gamache of Hillsboro, Oregon; son, Steven (Dana) Vargo of Albuquerque, New Mexico; adult grandchildren, Christopher, Calgary (Mick), Spencer, Tyler, Rachelle, Alexis and Jackson; and great-grandchildren, Kambrie and Lariah. He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Dolores Paurich; brother-in-law, Nicholas Manack; and dear nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Jennie Vargo; wife, Thelma Angelo Vargo; sister-in-law, Sylvia Manack; brother-in-law, John Paurich; and niece, Karen Zamary Perry.

Michele, Lisa, and Steven would like to express special gratitude to their cousin, Kimberly Zamary Sefcik and her husband, Joe, for being present for our Dad. They were selflessly available to him without hesitation, coordinated medical care, oversaw insurance and financial matters, attended doctor’s appointments, sat with him at various hospital stays and made sure his care at the nursing home was the best it could be. You are both a blessing to us for being where we could not be and doing what could not easily be done from afar. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Our family expresses heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Venkata Kollipara, vascular surgeon, and the dedicated staff at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Wound Care Center and Dr. Kene Ugokwe, neurosurgeon of Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Neurosurgery. Their care provided Alex with many more days to enjoy life in spite of his medical challenges. We are grateful for the advocacy, concern and guidance from Charles, ombudsman of Direction Home. The family would also like to convey appreciation to Ohio Living Hospice for the care they gave Alex during his last days.

Alex’s unconditional love and support of his children and grandchildren is something that will forever be associated with him and held dear. His biggest joy was in time spent with his children and grandchildren. The miles between us toward the end were difficult to bear, but the memories made over the years are permanently imprinted on all our hearts.

“A Dad is someone who may not always be perfect, but his love for his children is unwavering and unconditional.” — Anonymous

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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