Chad Varriano

Chad Joseph Varriano, 44, of Moorhead passed away February 10, 2017.
Chad was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his parents Anthony and Karel, sisters Kristi Hilton Peter and Melissa, his niece Lucy, nephew Quincy, grandmother Olive Kosen, and many loved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph and Carmella Varriano, and his grandfather Davis B. Kosen.
Chad grew up in North Moorhead and attended George Washington Elementary. He then went on to Moorhead Junior High where he began his devotion to weight lifting. While attending Moorhead Senior High, Chad continued lifting weights and received recognition for setting records in the weight room. He played football from grade school through high school and wrestled his freshman year. During his high school years, Chad was employed at the Moorhead Sports Center which sparked his love for hockey.
Before graduating high school in 1990, he was hired by UPS as a part time package handler. After ten years he became a package car driver, then a union steward, and was a dedicated employee for over 25 years. During his time at UPS, he developed strong friendships with his coworkers and all of his customers. Chad looked forward to going to work every day and his biggest hope was to get well enough to go back to UPS and continue his beloved career.
Chad had many circles of friends. He remained close with all of his high school buddies, who continued to support him throughout his battle with cancer. He also had his group of motorcycle enthusiasts. Chad was proud of his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10 and took advantage of every opportunity to ride. Another of his loves was going to the shooting range with a group of friends and afterwards enjoying lunch at Famous Dave’s.
Chad met his best friend, Thunder, when he brought him home as a puppy in 1996 which triggered his love for German Shepherds. Thunder was by Chad’s side for 13 years, and after Thunder passed, Chad added two German Shepherd rescues, Sherm and Roxy, to his home. His caring nature was unmistakable, his sense of humor undeniable, and his smile was infectious.
Chad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on September 2, 2014. He fought vigorously for life through chemo treatments and surgeries for 2 1/2 years, right up until his last breath. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by family at 5:30am on February 10, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
A memorial gathering of friends and family for Chad will be Thursday, Feb 16, from 5-7pm with a prayer service at 7pm. The funeral mass will be Friday, Feb 17, at 11am. Both services will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead.
Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.
Chad’s family would like to thank his primary care physician, Dr. Harris, at Plains Medical Center; Dr. Steen and the nurses and staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center; and Dr. Sticca of Sanford for all the care they provided for Chad.