Joseph A. Varin, 70, of Sanborn, N.Y., formerly of Ilion and Mohawk, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2006, at his residence under the loving care of his family and Niagara Hospice. Joseph was born on Jan. 28, 1936, in Ilion, N.Y., the son of Adolph and Sarah (Elthorp) Varin. He attended local elementary and junior high school prior to moving to Mohawk, N.Y., He attended Ilion schools, prior to moving to Mohawk, where he went to Mohawk Central School, graduating in 1954. Joe entered the U.S. Army in August of 1954. He took basic and advanced individual training at Fort Dix, N.J. He was then assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky., and the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, where he attended the Airborne School and earned his Parachutist Wings. His unit was rotated to Germany, where he was separated from the service at the end of his enlistment. Joe spent two months back home and decided to re-up and pursue a military career. From 1957 to 1960 he served with the 4th Regiment Combat Team and the 60th Infantry at Fort Devens, Mass.; 1960-1961 Joe was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Ga.; 1961-1962 he served in Korea with the 32nd Infantry; 1962-1966 he was assigned to the ROTC Instructional Group at Niagara University as a Senior Drill Instructor; 1966-1967 he served in Vietnam with the 416th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division; 1967-1970 he returned to Niagara University as an ROTC Instructor; 1970-1971 he returned to Vietnam and was assigned to the MACV as an advisor; 1971-1973 he was assigned as an advisor to the Army reserve in Niagara Falls, N.Y.; 1973-1975 Joe was reassigned to the U.S. Army ROTC Instructional Group at Niagara University as the Operations and Training NCO. Joe retired on July 1, 1975, with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal with six awards, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Combat Infantry badge, Parachutist Wings and the N.Y. State Conspicuous Service Award. During his last three years in the military, Joe had a part time job working at the NCO/Officer Club at the Niagara Falls AFB for the 914th. Upon his retirement his job was converted to a full-time position. While working full time nights, Joe attended Niagara County Community College and in 1977 received an A.A.S. in Business Administration. He then went to Erie County Community College and earned his A.A.S. in Food Service Administration in 1979. In 1990 Joe was promoted to Club manager, a position he held until his retirement in April of 1999. Joe was a member of the LaSalle Sportsman Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, V.F.W. Post No. 917, and American Legion Post No. 1524. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, and golfing with his many friends. On March 8, 1958, Joe married Lois (Miller) Varin of Cedarville, N.Y. Lois predeceased him on Dec. 21, 1987. He is survived by three daughters, Zoe (David) Miller of Killeen, Texas; Marilyn (Edgar) Morgan of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; and Brenda L. (George) LeBrun of Wilson, N.Y.; a granddaughter, Tanya Miller of Killeen, Texas; five grandsons, David Miller Jr. of Killeen, Texas; Jacob Beghtol and E.J. Moran of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; ?Lil? George and Steven LeBrun of Wilson, N.Y.; a great-grandson, Ethan Miller; two brothers, Charles (Winnie) Varin of Ilion, N.Y. and Donald Varin of Mohawk, N.Y.; two sisters, Esther (Kenneth) Rood and Mildred (George) Everson, both of Ilion, N.Y.; an aunt, Alice (Milton) Palmer of West Winfield, N.Y. and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph A. Varin Jr., three sisters, Lena Rockwell, Marion Barnes and Jennie Farber, and his parents. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, with the Rev. Robert Wollaber, pastor of the Ilion United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls, with full military honors. Calling hours are Friday, Aug. 11, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. The Mohawk American Legion Post No. 25 will conduct a ritual service on Friday at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, N.Y. 14094 or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, N.Y. 14240-9856. Envelopes will also be available at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.