McAllen-Edelmiro “Ed” Varela Jr., 52, passed away on Tuesday, July 28th at DHR in Edinburg.
Ed was born on January 24th, 1968, in McAllen, Texas, to Edelmiro Varela Sr. and Rosario Showery. Ed was the oldest of five children. Ed was a fatherly figure to his brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews and raised all of them. He was indeed the patriarch of their family. After graduating from McHi, Ed attended Pan American University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science. He continued his education, graduating from Walden University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing and becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
Ed met David Decanini in 1995, and they were an instant match. They spent the rest of their lives together, and Ed encouraged David to earn his Master’s degree and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Ed had a gift for motivating others and encouraged many family members and friends to pursue hopes, dreams, and feats that they never thought possible. He was known for his kindness and compassion. He loved to travel, and he and David have countless memories of special trips worldwide. Ed also was an excellent cook, and he thoroughly enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and caring for others. He had a great appreciation for art and enjoyed collecting rare pieces of art.
Ed was also an entrepreneur. He started Amigo Home Healthcare in 2005, and the business continues to thrive, serving the entire Rio Grande Valley.
Ed was brilliant and driven. He never stopped learning and was enrolled in the University of Texas RGV, pursuing his Master’s Degree in Abnormal Psychology.
Edelmiro is preceded in death by his father, Edelmiro Varela Sr.
He is survived by his partner of twenty-five years, David Decanini, sisters, Enedina Varela of Weslaco, Ivette Varela of Weslaco, brothers, Alfredo Varela (Socorro “Coco”) of Pharr, and Juan Martinez of Alamo.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 30th, 10 am-9 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, with a celebration of life at 7 pm. The celebration of life will be live-streamed on youtube/mccalebfuneralhome.