Paul L. Varley

Saratoga Springs, NY- The Honorable Paul L. Varley, who wore many hats and lived life to the fullest, peacefully passed away on October 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was predeceased in May 1992 by his wife Harlene Redgrave Varley and in January 2023 by his late wife Evelyn Patrick. He was also predeceased by his parents, Paul and Frances Varley; his youngest brother, John H. (Jack) Varley; and several family members and friends. He is survived by his daughters Lisa Varley-Ross of Clifton Park (Ted) and Kathleen Grey of Ballston Spa (Brian), as well as his grandchildren: Kara Grey, Kayla Grey, Brandon Ross, and Logan Grey. He is also survived by his younger brothers Pat Varley of Saratoga Springs (Patti) and Brendon Varley of Tavares, Florida, as well as a niece, great-niece, nephews, several cousins, and special friends.

Paul led a life of service. He enrolled in the United States Navy in 1959 and served as a third-class radarman on the U.S.S. F.D.R. CVA-42. After fulfilling his duty in the Navy until 1965, he returned to his cherished hometown, joined the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, climbing the ranks to Assistant Fire Chief, and married his beloved wife, Harlene. They spent many wonderful years together raising their daughters and enjoying life. He spent over 32 years dedicating his life to protecting and saving people.

As if that wasn’t enough, he was also the town justice for Greenfield for 30-plus years. He officiated thousands of weddings—even one in his backyard in his bathing suit! When he saw people, he would always joke, "Didn’t I marry you once?" He also had a love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a dog breeder, with one of his champion bloodline beagle puppies shipped to Japan.

His grandson Brandon will always have special memories of their hunting weekend at the South Valley Hunting Club, where Paul was a founding member, while Logan, his youngest grandson, developed his love for fishing after being taught by his grandfather. His oldest granddaughter will always relish their special relationship, especially making sauce, while his youngest granddaughter will always smile at the thought of her grandpa telling physician assistants he had a beautiful granddaughter who was going to school to be a P.A.

He loved summers in Saratoga, where in his younger years he could be found backstage mingling with a plethora of stars while providing fire patrol. In his later years, he always enjoyed accompanying his daughters for an evening at the ballet. He loved his time on Pawleys Island, walking his best companion, Mooch (who never left his side), on the beach.

After the passing of Evelyn three years ago, he moved back to Saratoga. He found a very special caregiver, Bobby, through Home Instead, whom he loved to joke with and run around town with. Bobby was incredibly special to Paul, and his daughters always knew he was in good hands. Paul was always ready with a joke and constantly said, "When my humor is gone, you know it is time to go!"

So, please join his family on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes (628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY) to honor this extraordinary man.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30am at the funeral home. Mass will be celebrated after the visitation at 12:30pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (3159 State Hwy 9N, Greenfield Center, NY), followed by burial with Military Honors at St. Peter’s Cemetery (West Ave) and a celebration of life at the Knights of Columbus (Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs).

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in memory of Paul to the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and/or the Saratoga Emergency Corps.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com