Richard Eugene Varish, 87, of Gettysburg

Richard Eugene Varish, 87, of Gettysburg, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at his home after a 10-year battle with vascular dementia. Born Aug. 18, 1939, in Meadville, he was the son of the late Thomas and Jean Walters Varish.

Varish graduated from Edinboro University and taught chemistry and biology at Fairfield public schools. He later received science grants in Maryland, Ohio and Montana. He served for many years as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 79, spent 18 years as a Freedom Township supervisor and volunteered with the Gideons. He was a longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church and later attended Memorial Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; children Tamara Reed, Thomas Varish, and T. Kevin Varish and wife Lori; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sandra Hajec. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law and a brother-in-law.

A graveside service is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg. Brandenburg & Stein Funeral Parlor is handling arrangements. Read the complete funeral-home obituary and guestbook.