Albert Richard Varhola

Albert Richard Varhola was born June 26, 1924 in Portsmouth, Ohio to John and Veronika (Verna) Slivkanich Varhola. He died April 6, 2024 in his home, still sharp, fit, and very much in charge to his last day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Verna, his wife of 22 years, Betty, his beloved daughter Gina Marie, brother Rudy, sister and brother-in-law: Irene and Hugh Knowles and all of his many dear friends from St Mary’s Class of 1942.

Albert served in the Merchant Marine first as an oiler and then deck engineer aboard the Geo. W Goethals 1942 - 1946. He completed 36 trips across the Atlantic and was on deck as the Goethals crew transported 1,100 US Army Rangers to Omaha Beach on D-Day. He stayed onboard after the war, transporting war brides. A recipient of The Congressional Gold Medal for his service in WWII, Albert was recently selected as one of 60 D-Day Veterans to return to Normandy in June for the 80th Anniversary via Old Glory Honor Flight. He was so proud to be representing Merchant Mariners. As a friend put it, Albert took an earlier flight.

He attended Ohio University graduating with a BS in Industrial Engineering in 1950. He was employed by Empire Detroit Steel as project manager of construction and later, transferred to the industrial engineering department rising to superintendent of labor relations, and retiring in 1986 from New Boston Coke Corp.

Albert was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church for more than 90 years and was a founding member of the Catholic Adults for Youth, serving more than 20 years on its board. He was integral in CAY's largest fundraiser: TOSRV; he ordered food, prepped and fried chicken, served hundreds of meals, and then went home to greet the many bikers whom he hosted for the night. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, Detroit Steel Management Club and an active member of the Cincinnati Chapter of Navy League. He spearheaded fundraisers for Happy Hearts and volunteered for Mercy Meals.

Albert was a natural athlete; he played high school basketball and football; the team won the Diocese Basketball Championship in 1942.

He enjoyed regular exercise up to his last day and credited it, along with his faith, for his long and healthy life. He was a fantastic cook, a great gin player, a good bowler and pretty good golfer. He enjoyed horse racing, day trading, Rummikub, Florida beaches, OSU football, Cincinnati Reds and concocting his own home remedies.

He is survived by Jenny, his wife and companion of 38 years. Of his many accomplishments, he is most proud of his surviving daughters:  Mary Ann (Dick), Jenifer (David), Valerie (Craig), Lora, Angie (Tom) and Mona (Tom). He is survived by grandchildren: Stephanie, Andrea, Anthony, Grant, Chad, Sam, Rachel, Collin, and Naomi; great grandchildren: Dioni, Tara, Emilio, Alex, Beck, Brooks and Cohen; great, great grandchildren: Zeke, Malcolm, Theo and Atlas; nephew and nieces: Skip, Nancy and Nancy; Goddaughter: Mary Schaefer York and his dear friend of 65 years: Rev John Burkhart. He was well loved by so many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Noon on Tuesday, April 16 with Father Gideon officiating.

Visitation at 11am, Eulogy at 11:45 at the Church, prior to Mass.

St Mary’s Catholic Church

515 5th Street

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Graveside military rites will follow mass at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Melcher-Hammer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider carrying out an act of kindness in Albert’s memory or make a donation to:

Old Glory Honor Flight https://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org/support/financial-support/

St Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/

St Mary’s Catholic Church

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