Francisco Carlos Varela

Francisco Carlos Varela, known as Pancho, was born in Havana, Cuba on November 18, 1945.

His parents, Carlos Varela and Teddy Risech were both talented and very loving.

Pancho lost his mother when he was only about 3 years old, and later his father remarried a wonderful woman who took care of him from the age of five until she passed.  

On February 4, 1970, he was married to his loving wife, Dania Varela.

His family was very important to him, but his friends were also a major influence in his life.  He was an architect by profession, but an artist by choice and passion.  His work of paintings and drawings were exhibited, and he participated in many art events around the world.  

His other passions included airplanes and cars.  He had a special talent for identifying the year, make and model of most cars, and he was especially interested in classic vehicles.  

One of of his major satisfactions was when people came to visit him.  He enjoyed hosting his friends, and sharing music and good conversation.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Jamil Varela.  The death of his son was a devastating marker in his life, it was hard to grasp the loss.  

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dania.  

He will be missed greatly; he was and still is an amazing human being who touched the lives of many who knew him.

 To share your memories of Francisco, or to leave a special message of condolence for his family, please visit and sign the guestbook below.