Obituary of Anthony M. Varvaro

Anthony M. Varvaro (October 31, 1984-September 11, 2022) Anthony M. Varvaro, 37, died September 11, 2022 while on the way to serve at the World Trade Center for 9/11 commemoration events, in his position as a Port Authority Police Officer. Anthony is survived by his wife Kerry (nee Thomson); children Anthony M. Jr., Jonathan, Christian and Savannah; parents Torrence and Paulette; brother Torrence (Diana); grandparents Edmund and Melvina Jagacki; in-laws James and Barbara Thomson; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law. Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Anthony, in his father’s words, “always had a plan”. His decorated baseball career began to take off at Curtis High School, where he met his future wife Kerry. From there, Anthony shared his baseball journey with many friends and family, making stops at St. John’s University and several minor league cities, before breaking through to the Major Leagues with the Seattle Mariners. Anthony was a member of the Atlanta Braves from 2011-2014, leading the team in bullpen innings during the 2013 playoff season, before finishing his career with the Boston Red Sox in 2015. With one dream accomplished, Anthony set his sights on two more: A criminal justice career that he long had his eye on, and settling into a home community with his family. When Anthony got the call from the Port Authority Police Department, he set the wheels in motion on both, hanging up his cleats and graduating from the P.A.P.D. Academy in 2016. After five years patrolling the World Trade Center campus, Anthony most recently returned to the Academy to serve as an instructor. In the meantime, Anthony re-established his roots on Staten Island, bringing his professional experiences and his always calm and caring demeanor to his children’s countless sports activities. He served as President of Snug Harbor Little League, and was an integral part of a leadership transition already taking major steps to brighten the Little League’s future. It was plain to see how much he enjoyed being around the kids and making a special place the best it could be for them. To say Anthony will be missed is a grand understatement. His time with us was far too little, but his legacy will live well beyond his years. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, September 13 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Wednesday, September 14 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church at 10:30 on Thursday, September 15. Burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or Snug Harbor Little League.