Franklin T. Varone, 83, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1942, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Frank was the son of Frank and Anna (Cirulli) Varone. He was preceded in death by his sister, Concetta “Connie” Lombardo.
Frank graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School, Cornwall-on-Hudson Military School, Valley Forge Military Academy, and Goldey-Beacom College. During his time at Goldey-Beacom, he worked part-time in the evenings. With Uffelman Painting, he was responsible for making sales calls by phone, using listings from the local phone book. He also worked at Murray’s Clothing Store at the Merchandise Mart where he developed his natural talent for sales by assisting customers with shirts, ties, and cuff links to accessorize their suit purchases.
From these humble beginnings, Frank built a distinguished career in insurance and investments that spanned nearly 60 years. He began with Continental American Life Insurance Company and later worked with Rockwell Associates and Nationwide Insurance. Most recently, he was affiliated with Dan White and Associates. Throughout his career, Frank was recognized with numerous awards, and he was a proud member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
He was an active member of Societa da Vinci, Inc. and the Men of Malvern 6–3 Retreat Group, generously contributing his time, talent, leadership, and dedication to both organizations. Frank cherished the friends he made within these groups.
Frank had a lifelong passion for automobiles and regularly attended auto auctions, buying and selling cars for himself and others. He maintained an extensive model car collection, proudly displayed in his office. Fitness remained an important part of his life—from playing racquetball in his younger years to maintaining a regular workout routine later in life, most recently at Beyond 50, where he was warmly greeted as “Maserati Frank.” He especially enjoyed socializing with friends, meeting new people, traveling, fine food, shopping, stylish shoes, and Manhattan cocktails.
A devoted and practicing Catholic, Frank attended the churches of St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Ann’s, Sacred Heart, and The Priory.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Winner; his children, Sue Varone (Paul Talley), Sherry Varone (David), and Mark Varone (Lisa); grandchildren, Christopher Talley, Joshua Talley (Marissa), Jordan Talley, Taylor Kay (David), Kylie DeGhetto (Matt), Annabella Varone (Shane); Ryan Monroe (Kaitlyn); great-grandchildren, Norah Kay, Bruce Kay and Max Talley.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19803. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware 19806. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine Cemetery, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19807.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 301 N. Bancroft Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19805; St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware 19806; or the Ministry of Caring Inc., 115 East 14th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801-3209.
For online condolences visit www.Chandlerfuneralhome.com.
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