Entrepreneur, Devoted to Family and Friends
Henry D. Vara Jr.
At age 86, Holbrook, formerly of West Newton and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, passed away on April 18. Born in Brookline, He graduated from The Michael Driscoll Elementary School, where he maintained his friendship with his classmates till his passing. Henry attended Boston University and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His entrepreneurial spirit was established as a young man. He began investing in real estate and development as the owner of Rocky Point and Crescent Park amusement parks in Rhode Island. He developed an interest in media by founding several Television and radio stations across the country, among them KKCO, an NBC affiliate in Boulder, Colorado, WJTC in Pensacola, FL, WRCC in Ft. Myers, WKGR in West Palm Beach, FL., KSKI in Vail, Colorado.
Henry was the President of The Boston Charitable Society. He was the owner of the famed Studio54 in New York City, The Kenmore Club, Jacques in Boston’s Bay Village, Clubs in New Hampshire, Texas, and California. At one time, he owned the most liquor Licenses in the City of Boston. He owned and operated Crown and Anchor Motor Inn in Provincetown, Mill Hill Club in West Yarmouth, MaryAnn’s in Brighton, Beacon Hill Pub, and Fathers 1-4. He loved antique automobiles, including a rare 1937 Packard Super 8, only Ten in the world. But with all his entrepreneurial projects, Henry was about family and endearing long lasting friendships.
Beloved husband of Patricia Nee and the late Virgina “Gini” (Gangi) Vara. Dear son of the late Henry Dante Vara and Angelina Riccio Vara. Devoted father of Holli Pauline Vara and her husband Tom Donnelly, Henry Dante Vara III, Christian Dante Vara and his wife Ellen and the late Lisa Ann Vara. Cherished grandfather of Lisa and Zachary McAuliffe, Nicholas, Mitchell, Jack-Henry, Scott-Christian, Eliza, and Isabel Vara. Dear brother of the late Carmine A. Vara. Dear brother-in-law of Louis P. Gangi and his wife Vincenza M., and Lawrence P. Gangi and his wife, Jesse.. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernard’s Church, 1523 Washington St., West Newton, on Saturday, April 22 at 11:00. Interment at Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours at The Burke and Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., Friday, 3-7 pm. Remembrances may be made to Shrinerschildrens.org.