Conventual Franciscan Friar, Father Paul Varga, dies at 89
October 10, 2025 at 1:26 p.m.
The Franciscan Friars and faithful of St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, gathered Oct. 10, 2025 for a Mass of Christian Burial for Father Paul (Stephen) Varga, OFM Conv. A Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of the Angels Province who had last served in St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, Father Varga died Oct. 7, 2025 in Brick Township.
Known as a “true Jersey boy,” Father Varga was born in Trenton Dec. 1, 1936, one of four children of the late Stephen and Catherine (nee Chmielewski) Varga. The young Paul graduated from Trenton Catholic High School and later attended St. Francis College Seminary in Staten Island. He entered the Novitiate of the Conventual Franciscans in Middleburgh, NY, professing first vows in August, 1957. He professed solemn vows in October, 1960, while completing theological studies at St. Anthony-on-Hudson in Rensselaer, NY. He was ordained to the priesthood May 25, 1963.
After Ordination, Father Varga was first assigned to teach in a Pittsburgh, Pa., Catholic school (1963-1969). He then began a lengthy ministry in the parochial apostolate, serving in several Canadian parishes before his first New Jersey assignment as parochial vicar in St. Peter Parish, Riverside (1989-91).
Father Paul, as he was known to those he ministered to and with, returned to ministry in Canada and later Syracuse, N.Y. In 1999, he began a six-year assignment as chaplain in McAuley Hall, a health care center sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung. In 2005, Father Paul began his last parochial assignment in Point Pleasant Beach, where he served until his health declined. At that time, Father Paul entered Crest Pointe Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, remaining there until his death.
Father Varga was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Joseph. He is survived by two siblings, Kathy and Michael, a niece and three nephews, as well as several grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Education Fund (12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City MD 21042).
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The Franciscan Friars and faithful of St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, gathered Oct. 10, 2025 for a Mass of Christian Burial for Father Paul (Stephen) Varga, OFM Conv. A Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of the Angels Province who had last served in St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, Father Varga died Oct. 7, 2025 in Brick Township.
Known as a “true Jersey boy,” Father Varga was born in Trenton Dec. 1, 1936, one of four children of the late Stephen and Catherine (nee Chmielewski) Varga. The young Paul graduated from Trenton Catholic High School and later attended St. Francis College Seminary in Staten Island. He entered the Novitiate of the Conventual Franciscans in Middleburgh, NY, professing first vows in August, 1957. He professed solemn vows in October, 1960, while completing theological studies at St. Anthony-on-Hudson in Rensselaer, NY. He was ordained to the priesthood May 25, 1963.
After Ordination, Father Varga was first assigned to teach in a Pittsburgh, Pa., Catholic school (1963-1969). He then began a lengthy ministry in the parochial apostolate, serving in several Canadian parishes before his first New Jersey assignment as parochial vicar in St. Peter Parish, Riverside (1989-91).
Father Paul, as he was known to those he ministered to and with, returned to ministry in Canada and later Syracuse, N.Y. In 1999, he began a six-year assignment as chaplain in McAuley Hall, a health care center sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung. In 2005, Father Paul began his last parochial assignment in Point Pleasant Beach, where he served until his health declined. At that time, Father Paul entered Crest Pointe Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, remaining there until his death.
Father Varga was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Joseph. He is survived by two siblings, Kathy and Michael, a niece and three nephews, as well as several grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Education Fund (12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City MD 21042).