Obituary: ​John J. Varanelli Jr., 65, of Wolcott

Obituary courtesy of Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home

John J. Varanelli Jr.

June 19, 1956 - September 23, 2021

“Owner of The Orchid Florist”

John J. Varanelli Jr., 65, of Wolcott, entered into the gates of heaven on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the loving husband of Catherine “Kit” (Coviello) Casey.
John was born in Waterbury on June 19, 1956, son of the late John J. Varanelli Sr., and Louise (Perrotti) Varanelli of Waterbury. John was a graduate of Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, class of 1974, and proudly graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from the University of Connecticut. John was a Division 1 Wrestler at UConn, and later continued his loved for wrestling by coaching High School Wrestling for the Berkshire League. As a die-hard Husky, John loved watching and cheering on the UConn Women’s Basketball Team.

In 1981, John purchased The Orchid Florist here in Waterbury, were he proudly and passionately operated the store, serving the Greater Waterbury community for over forty years. John could always be caught listening to rock & roll at the flower shop. He loved going to concerts, and always played classic rock for his children while they were growing up. Amongst any hobbies, interests, or accomplishments, family was by far the most important thing in John’s life. He adored his wife, children, and family with all his heart, especially his beloved dog, Gleason.

Besides his wife Kit of Wolcott, and his mother Louise of Waterbury, John leaves behind to cherish his memory his three daughters, Valerie Whynall and her husband Scott of Madison, Stephanie Varanelli and her fiancé Adam Lattimore of Washington, DC, Alexandra Varanelli and her significant other Eric Hoyt of Wallingford, and his two stepsons, Paul Casey of Waterbury, and Tim Casey of Oakville. He also leaves behind his six siblings, Nicholas Varanelli and his wife Fran of Middlebury, Antoinette Towle and her husband Dana of Waterbury, Thomas Varanelli and his wife Holly of Riverton, Maria McCoy and her husband Bob of Watertown, Patty Burgess and her husband Jeff of Waterbury, Joanne Varanelli of Waterbury, his five grandchildren, Benjamin Whynall, and Dylan, Tyler, Logan, and Quinn Casey, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: A funeral will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021, 8:45 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Calling hours will be held Sunday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Out of respect to the family, it is asked that those coming to the funeral home, and or the funeral mass to wear a mask.