Anthony T. Varano, Sr., 58, of Rome, lovingly known as “Big Tony”, passed away at home unexpectedly on Thursday, June 8, 2023. He was born February 5, 1965, in Rome, NY, the son of the late Thomas and Alba (Guarasci) Varano. 

Tony was a graduate of Rome Free Academy and earned a degree in Business Management from MVCC. Tony was united in marriage to Suzanne Smith on July 12, 1986 in St. John the Baptist Church in Rome. He previously worked at Urbanik’s Paint, Utica NY and Ace Hardware, Rome NY. 

Tony’s grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished spending time with them.  Tony enjoyed bocce, cooking, watching football, playing cards with his family and friends, and barbecuing for family occasions.

Surviving besides his loving wife of 37 years, Suzanne, are his children Anthony T. Varano, Jr. (Tia) and Alicia Varano; his grandchildren Steven, Mason, and Nicholas; his sister Lena Amuso (Mike) and brothers Pasquale Varano, Thomas Varano (Michelle), and Joseph Varano; his mother- and father-in-law Ramona L. and Craig Smith; sister-in-law Heidi Hardin-Smith (Edward); Michael J. Luiere, who Tony loved as a son; nieces Jamie Manley (Steve) and Mackenzie Hardin; nephews Jimmy Amuso (Jennifer), Ryan Amuso (Kimberly), Mike Amuso, and Tommy Amuso (Kaylyn); and several cousins.  

Tony will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his humor and love of life and family.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 4-7 p.m., at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome. 

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com