September 6, 1951 - May 21, 2023
Courtesy of Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services:
Anthony “Tony†Varchetto, 71, of Huntley, formerly of Hoffman Estates, passed away May 21, 2023, surrounded by his family after a long battle with lung cancer. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy, nee Laurie and the late Sebastian on September 6, 1951. He was the oldest of three siblings: Pamela (the late Ralph Herbert) Varchetto and Richard (Janet) Varchetto. Growing up as a devout Catholic, he attended catholic schools his entire life, which would lead him to Xavier University in Cincinnati, where he met his beloved wife of 51 years Elizabeth “Beth†Varchetto, née Stechschulte. He became the doting father of Tiffany (James Manning) Varchetto, Anthony Varchetto and Nicholas (Alyssa) Varchetto and loving grandfather of Sadie (6), Penelope (4), Elliott (1) and Eleanor (1). He was a dear uncle to all of his nieces and nephews and favorite cousin to many.
Tony, T-Wheel, T-Bone, were just a few of the many nicknames given to him by the people he called friends and family. His easy-going personality coupled with his penchant for wandering the neighborhood before dinner and talking to all who happened to have their garages open, helped him make lifelong friends he held dear. Whether it was fate or luck that placed Tony and Beth’s house in the geographic center of the neighborhood, Tony’s knack for getting people to stop their car at the corner and talk for hours would ultimately lead them back to the house for a bon-fire and cocktail.
When Tony wasn’t at home, he was a savvy businessman who owned several companies throughout his long working career. The most successful and recent was being President and CEO of a large recycling company. No paper or plastics were ever to be thrown in the garbage at the Varchetto household, and all cans and jars were sure to be thoroughly washed prior to being put in the bin or he would pull them out and make sure you did. Though he never officially retired, Tony loved what he did every day and always made time for everyone.
Tony loved to be involved. Whether it was always knowing the exact location and activities of his children, the happenings of the neighborhood, or the latest events at the church, he wanted in on the action. He volunteered as a coach for his children growing up playing sports and was on the committee for the Church of the Holy Spirit - Family Fest. Tony also was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he donated lots of his time while making great friends that would lead him to his favorite hobby, golf. And even with all of that, he even found time to be a board member on the HOA for the family house in Lake Delavan, Wisconsin.
Lake Delavan was Tony’s favorite spot where all the family could be together and enjoy countless activities. Boating, swimming, skiing, baseball, volleyball, grilling, fireworks – he made sure the Lake house had it all. As a kid, Tony and his brother and sister spent most of their summers up at the lake and as an adult, Tony brought his children up as often as possible to create some of his fondest memories with the family.
Staying active and busy was Tony’s greatest attribute. And very few moments of his life were spent without his wife, his children, his family, or his friends. He was most comfortable with others and seldom wanted to be alone. The past few years with the pandemic and then cancer, slowed him down, but he always found ways to reach out and be around people. In the short amount of time after moving to Huntley, he already had made fast friends who came by daily to check on him.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Tony’s life. Visitation Friday from 3PM to 8 PM at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Funeral prayers Saturday 10:30 AM at the funeral home to Church of the Holy Spirit, 1451 W. Bode Road, Schaumburg. Mass 11:30 AM. Entombment at St. Michael the Archangel, Palatine, IL. In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to American Cancer Society, PO Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741. |