Michael J. Vara passed away peacefully at the Lawrence General Hospital on Saturday Evening. He was 93. Born and raised in Boston, he was the son of the late Joseph and Emma (Rocci) Vara.

During the Second World War, he served with the US Coast Guard. He later graduated from the Boston Conservatory where he focused on the clarinet. Michael taught music in the Somerville Public Schools at Southern Junior High as well as privately. He performed with the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. He played with the Shriners Band and owned and operated Vara’s Music in Medford Square. A loving and devoted father, husband and grandfather, Michael lived most of his life in Medford until recently moving with his daughter in Andover


The beloved husband of the late Helen (LoGuidice) who passed away in 2009, he was the devoted father of Emma Gennaro and her husband Thomas of Andover, Carol Vara and her husband Edward Kardys of CT, Patricia Appleby and her husband Paul of Melrose. He was a loving grandfather to Patrick and Daniel Appleby. He was the brother of the late Clara O’Keefe, Carmine and Gerald Vara.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. Medford, Wednesday March 11th from 4 to 8 PM and again on Thursday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

Memorial contributions may be sent in Michael’s name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund PO Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284- 9168.