NORFOLK, NY — Alex Varakuta, 71, Norfolk, passed away Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at Upstate Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
A celebration of his life will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Monday Nov. 26, at the Am Vets Hall on 12 Andrews St., Massena. All are welcome to attend. There will be no funeral service and burial will be at the convenience of his family.
Alex was born Oct. 26, 1947, in Germany, the son of Stefan  and Anna Powlowski Varakuta. He left Germany with his family when he was just 3-years-old and came to the United States. He attended high school in Massena and graduated from Canton ATC  where received his associate’s degree in business and accounting in 1967.
Alex began his career working for Alcoa where he was a technician in the research lab on Willow Street. After several years there, Alex resigned and took over the running of S&A Auto Sales, a business founded by his father 15 years before. He has been actively running this business ever since.
Alex was well know as an entertainer, singer and guitar player. He has been a regular performer at various events in a musical career spanning over 50 years. He loved animals, cars, fishing and games of chance.
He is survived by his long time partner Sandra Noyes, Norfolk, a brother Russell, London England; two nieces, Shelby Morgia, Black River, and Nicola Varakuta, London, England; two nephews, Steven Wilson Holly Springs, North Carolina, and Tristan Varakuta London, England; a great nephew, Bailey Wilkinson, Syracuse; and a great niece Kendall McDaniels, Holly Springs. He also leaves behind his dog and cherished pet Missy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Irene V. Wilson Scholarship Fund, c/o the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601 . This charity was founded after his sister Irene’s death earlier this year.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.
