Varsa, John Peter

John Peter Varsa,

82, died peacefully at home September 5, 2017 with his beloved partner, Carolyn at his side. He was born on May 31, 1935 in Budapest, Hungary. As a young child his parents Louis & Edith Varsa left with him to live in the USA. John grew up on the East Coast and graduated in 1958 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor in Architecture. He soon headed West with several classmates in pursuit of an architectural career in the Wild West. From 1958 to 1987 he worked for such notable firms as Bridgers & Paxton; Holien & Buckley; and Flatow, Moore, Bryan & Fairborn. He was in partnership with Wally Wendell for ten years with notable projects including the Sheraton Old Town Hotel, several private residences in the foothills and medical office complexes. From 1959-1964 he was a member of the NM Air National Guard, 150th Tactical Fighter Group, honorably discharged with a rank of 1st Lieutenant. John spent several years back East where he enjoyed working on a special restoration project at the U.S. Capitol. Around 1990 he decided to make Albuquerque his permanent home.

John is survived by his partner of six years, Carolyn Finster; his sister Susanne Moore, NYC; and nieces Sabrina Absera and family of Jamaica, West Indies and Sali Moore, Minneapolis, MN.

John enjoyed skiing, swimming, motorcycling, fast cars and flying. During his retirement he was proud to ride his Yamaha on the back roads of NM until he was 80.He was an active participant in the Sandia Civitan Club as well as the New Heart Cardiac Wellness Center. As a WWII buff, he was able to make his liftime dream come true. In April he piloted a P-51 Mustang from Santa Fe to Mountainaire where he performed a couple of loops & rolls in the beautiful blue skies and white clouds of NM. What a sense of joy and elation he felt. He will be missed by all. A Gathering of friends will be held on Oct. 29th at 2 PM at the Elena Gallegos Amphitheater to celebrate his life and share stories.

In lieu of flowers send donations to New Heart, Inc. 601 Lomas Blvd NE.