Henry D. Vara, Jr.

Entrepreneur, Devoted to Family and Friends

Henry D. Vara, Jr.

At age 85, of Holbrook, formerly of West Newton and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, passed away on April 18, 2023. Born in Brookline, he graduated from The Michael Driscoll Elementary School, maintaining  friendships with his classmates until his passing. Henry attended Bordentown Military Institute in New Jersey, Boston University, and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His entrepreneurial spirit was established as a young man. He began investing in real estate and development as the owner of Rocky Point and Crescent Park amusement parks in Rhode Island. He developed an interest in media by founding several television and radio stations across the country, among them KKCO, an NBC affiliate in Boulder, CO, WJTC in Pensacola, FL, WRCC in Ft. Myers, FL, WKGR in West Palm Beach, FL, and KSKI in Vail, CO.

Henry was President of The Boston Charitable Society. He was the owner of the famed Studio54 in New York City, The Kenmore Club, Jacques in Boston’s Bay Village, and clubs in New Hampshire, Texas, and California. At one time, he owned the most liquor licenses in the City of Boston. He owned and operated Crown and Anchor Motor Inn in Provincetown, Mill Hill Club in West Yarmouth, MaryAnn’s in Brighton, Beacon Hill Pub, and Fathers 1,2,3,& 4. He loved antique automobiles, including a rare 1937 Packard Super 8, one of only ten in the world. But with all his entrepreneurial projects, Henry was about family and endearing long-lasting  friendships.

Beloved husband of Patricia Nee and the late Virgina “Gini” (Gangi) Vara. Dear son of the late Henry Dante Vara and Angelina Riccio Vara. Devoted father of Holli Pauline Vara and her husband Tom Donnelly, Henry Dante Vara III, Christian Dante Vara and his wife Ellen and the late Lisa Ann Vara. Cherished grandfather of Lisa and Zachary McAuliffe, Nicholas, Mitchell, Jack-Henry, Scott-Christian, Eliza, and Isabel Vara. Dear brother of the late Carmine A. Vara. Dear brother-in-law of Louis P. Gangi and his wife Vincenza M., and Lawrence P. Gangi and his wife, Jesse.  A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard’s Church, 1523 Washington St., West Newton, on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment  will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours at The Burke and Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton, on Friday from 3-7 pm. Remembrances may be made to Shrinerschildrens.org.