Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Condolences

• April 15, 2024

  -Brad

  Ray was my manager in the first professional job I ever had. I saw when he was promoted to director of the SBDC. In this promotion I was able to order him a plaque for his office door with him new title. Instead he said something along the lines of "I don't want anyone to treat me by my title, just my name is good enough." That's who Ray was to me. Down to earth, but lead from a quality of character. To his family who loved him just know that he was a great man and he had a tremendous impact on me.

• April 09, 2024

  Michael Brna

  I am heartbroken to learn of Ray's death. He was my very first graduate assistant when I was named director of the Entrereneurial Assistance Center at California University of PA in 1993. He and I were new to the world of entrepreneurship and small business consulting and we learned the business together. It was an exciting time for the both of us and I often think I learned more from him than he did from me. He was intelligent, pragmatic, funny and oh so kind and true of heart. A finer man I've never known. A wonderful, loving, and caring husband and father who I considered more of a son than a friend. There are so many things I could say about the wonderful times we shared together both as colleagues and, more importantly, as friends. He was salt of the earth and I couldn't have been more excited for him when he began his career at Pitt and continued onward to achieve so many accomplishments and touch so many lives. He was as rare as any one man could be and he shall live on in my heart forever until the day I see him again in heaven. He loved his family first and foremost and his spirit will live on through them. I miss him deeply and am grateful to have known him. My life is better because of Mr. Raymond Vargo.

• April 08, 2024

  Jennifer Wilhelm

  I had the opportunity to engage with Ray through our shared work with small businesses. He was a true champion of others. He will be greatly missed.

• April 08, 2024

  Michele (Buonarosa) Lewis

  Ray and I shared cousins on his dad's side. I remember sharing holidays with him when we were kids. Hearing this news made me incredibly sad. All my love and prayers to Chris and the kids, Ray and Patty and Adrienne.

• April 07, 2024

  Brent Rondon

  Ray was the definition of a professional with a caring philosophy, willing to give the extra mile all of the time and a big heart. Wherever I went and met local businesses, I heard the same expression. "Ray Vargo helped me and my business so much". His legacy goes beyond Pittsburgh, Washington, Beaver and many more places. I will be grateful for all of the things he did, and taught me. RIP my friend!

• April 07, 2024

  Jim Johnston

  My condolences to the Vargo family. I worked with Ray off and on for over 20 years and he was the most genuine person I knew. He will be missed by all.

• April 07, 2024

  Pat wagner

  To the parents of Raymond: We only met you at OCNJ hotel every year while on vacation. So sorry to read about your loss. I can't imagine losing a child. Our prayers are with you both. Pat Wagner and (daughter) Dana Smith.

• April 06, 2024

  Terri Cook

  I am so sorry for your loss! Ray loved his family and shared his joys of family often! He was an incredible supervisor and friend . He always told the SBDC team we were his family outside of family! He treated all of us with respect and care and love! Ray has been missed as he battled the cancer yet remained the stabilizing person in our office! Will meet you on the side of eternity, Ray!

• April 06, 2024

  Donn Nemchick

  Ray was a friend and a champion for small businesses. We worked together over the years to assist entrepreneurs and Ray provided valuable insight to hundreds of small businesses. I will miss him and offer my heartfelt condolences to Chris and his family.

• April 05, 2024

  Rob McArdle

  Such a great and pleasant man. I always looked forward to talking with Ray when we met up. Prayers for Ray and his family and may God hold him in the palm of his hand.

• April 05, 2024

  Heather Dunn

  I will always remember Ray the very first time I met him at the Getaway Cafe, which was the same time he first me his wife Chris. Such a wonderful man, husband and father. He will be greatly missed.

• April 05, 2024

  Ed Bobuk

  My sincere condolences to the Cargo family. Ray was a wonderful friend and fellow. I cherish all the days that we spent at ball fields either coaching or watching our kids play. RIP my friend.