Stephen G. Varga, Jr.

We are sorry to announce that Stephen G. Varga, Jr., 91 years old of Lansing, NY, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2026 while surrounded by the love and support of his children, Robert J. Varga, Suzy Varga and Terry Rifley. He also leaves behind his son, Stephen G. Varga III, and daughter, Erica Varga of Washington state.

Steve Varga, Jr. was the oldest of five children, born in his family home in Lansing on August 10, 1934 to his parents Steve Varga, Sr. and Susie (Solomon) Varga. He was predeceased by all of his brothers, including John, Jim and Louie, and is survived by Louie’s wife Dixie, and Jim’s wife Gloria. He also has five grandchildren that meant the world to him: Terry’s children Lindsie, Macie, and his only grandson Justin, a United States Marine Corps Officer (his pride and joy); Suzy’s daughter Cierra; and Erica’s daughter Kya. He also was lucky enough to have two beautiful great-grandchildren: Layla, daughter of Cierra, and Maddox, son of Macie, whom he loved to FaceTime with each day.

Steve was always a very hard worker and loved dearly by all who knew him. He had a charming, generous, calming personality.

Steve was an expert in the excavating business. He briefly operated a backhoe at Cargill Salt Company before starting his own excavating company, Varga‘s Backhoe and Bulldozing Service. When he wasn’t working, he spent all his time working on his beautiful property, the pride of his life.

He always looked forward to meeting his brother Louie, cousins Freddy Crass and Tom Ruane, and his two best friends, Gary Pai and Jerry Holden (Bugsy), out for coffee. He also looked forward to watching movies with his son Robbie every night. His daughter Susie was a savior to him; she put her own life on hold to care for her dad when he needed someone the most and we all appreciate her for being there. Losing his closest family members took quite a toll on Steve, along with a cancer diagnosis which he chose not to treat.

He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Ludlowville Pine Grove Cemetery in Lansing—a cemetery in which Steve devoted countless hours for the majority of his life, maintaining the land and assisting with burials.