Jesus Varela

Jesus Varela, a long time Resident of Bronxville New York, passed away on February 2, 2021. He was 86 years old. Born in Aguada Puerto Rico to Pedro and Juana Varela. Jesus was was one of 4 children.

Jesus was a devoted and loving husband, an adored grandfather, and a father of four children. He was well known for his sense of humor, empathy, kindness, generosity, and being a hard worker.

At the age of 12, he became head of the household to provide for his family. One of his memorable jobs was driving an ice cream truck and selling ice-cream to the children in the town where he was raised. He had a generous heart and was touched by the children who could not afford the ice cream that he would often given them the ice cream for free. Unfortunately his generosity led to losing his job.

Jesus had a strong work ethic and a hunger to survive. He came to New York at the age of 18. He learned to speak English and worked various jobs, each one offering a better opportunity to get ahead in life.

He often returned to Puerto Rico to visit his family. During one of his trips back to Puerto Rico, at the the plaza in the center of town, he would meet his wife Dolores of over 45 years. It was love at first sight. They quickly got married and moved to New York and lived in a two bedroom apartment on Park Avenue. His kind heart would also lead him to be an instrumental part in family coming to NY also searching for a better life.

Jesus began his career as a Chef and would eventually retire from the Drake Hotel in Manhattan. He was recognized for his 25 years of service at the Drake hotel before he retired at age 60. Prior to his retirement, he purchased and managed two tenement buildings in the Bronx which were sold several years later. Although retired, he continued to pursue his dream of becoming a business owner. He opened a restaurant also in the Bronx and eventually a Social Club, Los Gallos, in Harlem which was written about in the New York Times.

Jesus will be remembered as a family man, one who was fun loving, caring, talented and always had a smile on his face. He loved music, food and teaching his granddaughter Liana how to play guitar. He will be missed deeply by his family, friends, neighbors and the many patrons of Los Gallos social club.

Jesus is survived by his daughters Madeline, Jacqueline and Lillian, his grandchildren Ruben, Juliana, Gisela and Liana, and great grandson Ignacio.

A Celebration of Jesus' life will take place at Pelham Funeral Home on February 10, 2021 from 9AM to 11:15 AM.
Burial will take place at St. Raymond's Cemetery Bronx, NY, on February 10, 2021.
For more information or to leave a condolence please visit pelhamfuneral.com