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Edwin Varley

Edwin P. Varley, 96, of Madison, loving husband of Barbara L. Varley, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Nov. 27, 2023. Edwin was born in Brighton, Massachusetts. on Sept. 28, 1927. He was the oldest son of Edwin C. and Margaret E. Boughan Varley.

He is predeceased by his only son, Paul Varley; grandson, Christopher Edwin Glisson; and his sister, Pauline Frances V. Houhlihan. Edwin is survived by his loving wife, Barbara L. Varley, 95, of Madison, having shared over 70 years of blissful marriage. They shared a life like no other. They met while roller skating in Revere Beach, Massachusetts, at a Sadie Hawkins Skate. It was love at first sight for Edwin. The phrase opposites attract fits Barb and Ed perfectly. They are completely different in terms of personalities; however, they shared similar beliefs when it came to values, faith, fairness, and consistency. A wonderful combination for raising a family. Edwin is also survived by his daughters, Judith-Anne Varley, Barbara-Jean/Kevin Glisson, Mary-Patrice “Meb”/Robert Cusumano; grandsons: Matthew Varley, Timothy Joseph and Andrew Alexander Powaleny/partner Jessada Watanasunturnku, James Paul/Jennie Thibodaux and Joshua Michael Glisson; six great-grandchildren: Edwin John, Margaret Roy, Eli James of Louisiana, Christopher Lane, Jeffrey Cole and Caroline Beau Glisson of Georgia. He is also survived by his younger brother, David A./Cecilia Varley of Virginia.

Edwin grew up in Point Shirley, Massachusetts, and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1946. He held numerous jobs he truly enjoyed as a teenager. He told stories about his long “Coal Shoveling” days while working at the Deer Island Water Treatment and “catching leather soles” right side, left side off the conveyor belts in Boston’s Leather District for pennies. He also recalled coaxing the fishing trawlers to “Hey, can you throw me a codfish, sir?” on Easter Sunday, dressed in his church clothes! He enlisted in the U.S. Navy before graduating from high school. He served with honor and pride in World War II and the Korean War. After World War II, he earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Tufts College in 1951, in Massachusetts, through the V-12 Navy College Training Program. He worked briefly for Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Akron, Ohio, then began his career in 1952 at Grain Dealers Mutual in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he served as a special agent and loss prevention engineer. He joined Industrial Risk Insurers in 1970 and retired in 1992. After retirement, he spent his time singing in barbershop quartets S.P.E.B.S.Q.U.A and in the City of the Elms Barbershop Chorus in New Haven. He also sang in the St. Margaret’s Church Choir for over 60 years as they commenced the weekend of JFK’s funeral in 1963.

After a health scare in 1986, he began his rowing career and started competing in the C.R.A.S.H B’s in Boston for over 20 years. He also earned the title in 2002 of British Indoor Rowing Champion for 75-79 LWT division. He logged over 55 million meters. Those on the Shoreline all knew the quiet man constantly rowing. He and Barbara traveled to Hawaii, Ireland, Bermuda, and wherever the families resided. Edwin and Barbara’s love of the water and beach led them to Madison in 1956. They settled in Lee Manor Association, where they still had “Party Lines” and only an RFD for an address. A TRUE slice of heaven, where they led a steady, consistent life, surrounded by amazing families, friends, and community. They established an incredible place for generations to flourish. Edwin carried himself with Dignity and Grace. He was a true gentleman, rarely seen today. He will be missed.

Calling hours were on Dec. 2 at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret’s Church, 24 Academy Road, Madison. Burial followed at West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Madison Ambulance Association, 9 Old Rte 79, Madison, CT 04443.