Frank J. Vargish, Jr., 86

October 19, 2014

Frank J. Vargish, Jr., 86, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2014 after a brief illness. He was predeceased in 2003 by his beloved wife, Marianne B. Vargish, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Bayshore, NY, he was the son of the late Frank J. and Olga F. Brodil Vargish.

A graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, Frank was known for creativity and style. At Armstrong World Industries, he rose to become Director of Interior Design and Display. He and his department were responsible for the design of interior settings for national advertising as well as trendsetting trade show designs for corporate showrooms. In his private practice of 27 years, Vargish Design Associates, he utilized his creative vision to redefine spaces. Initially his commercial practice was a key part of downtown Lancaster’s first resurgence working on designs for such stores as Fillings, Pappagallo and Bed and Bath Affair. In his residential work he excelled at embracing the client’s personal taste, incorporating their possessions and adding his distinctive flair. He had a skilled sense about how to maximize space and enhance it through color, texture and furnishings. He was a favored participant of local designer show homes and one year even created a home office from a closet.

Frank was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster and the Sertoma Club of Lancaster, as well as a board member of Rock Ford and a patron of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. He enjoyed art, architecture, fashion and was a passionate collector of many unusual objets d’art related to his interests.

Frank is survived by his children: Frank J. III (Vicki) Vargish of Lititz, and Claudia A. (Ed) Steinglass of Bridgeport, CT; his grandchildren, Geoffrey Vargish, Ariel and Emily Steinglass. He is also survived by his sister, Madelone V. Stewart of Ft. Myers, FL.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, 538 W Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603 with the Rev. Anne Mason officiating. There will be no public viewing. The family will receive guests at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service and again during a luncheon at the Church immediately following the service.

The family asks that in lieu flowers, contributions be made in his memory to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.