Obituary of Mario E. Vargas

Mario E. Vargas, 95, of Adams, died at his home late Tuesday evening April 23, 2024, where he had been under the loving care of his wife.  It was his wishes there would be no calling hours or services. Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY. Born January 1, 1929 in Cartago, Costa Rica, he was the son of Mario and Lia (Peralta) Vargas.  He attended primary school and high school in Costa Rica.  In 1947 when he was seventeen years old he came to the United States to attend New York Military School, and one year later he moved to Montclair Academy for more academic preparation.  The Glaxton family who lived in New Jersey were friends of his family in Costa Rica, and it was during this time he connected with them and became part of their American family. In 1949 he attended Syracuse University and graduated with a Bachelors in International Economics.  Mario worked for Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City and for the Schenectady Trust Company as head teller.  He moved to Watertown and began working at Watertown High School as a Spanish teacher in 1965.  During that time he also attended Potsdam University where he earned his Masters degree in Spanish Teaching and Education.  He married Helen M. Higgins with whom he had four children.  The marriage later ended in divorce. In August 1986 he married Ana Escalante of Costa Rica.  The couple have lived in Adams all their married life. Surviving besides his wife Ana, is a son Kevin Vargas; two grandchildren Lauren and Michael; two brothers Frederico and Ricardo; one sister Meicel; a sister in law Maria Elena Escalante; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two daughters, Allison who died as a baby and Leslie who died when she was 7 years old; and one son Richard who died April 24, 2020. Mario has been a stamp collector since his early youth.  He was also an avid reader, a model train aficionado and a lover of Jazz and Classical music. The family will be forever grateful for the care provided by Hospice of Jefferson County.  Donations in his memory may be made to the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, PO Box 126, Adams, NY or Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St, Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com