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Dennis Varza, 59, Of Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Dennis Varza of Fairfield died Sunday, Dec. 29. He was 59.

Varza was born May 12, 1954, in Bridgeport; son of Victor and Marie Broderick Varza. He had been a Fairfield resident for most of his life. He graduated from Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania and did his graduate work at LSU, where he earned a master's degree in zoology, and went on to the University of Oklahoma, where he studied aquatic ecology.

He had worked for many years as a contract biologist for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

Early on, he worked for the Connecticut Audubon Society, revitalizing Fairfield's Birdcraft Museum as its curator. He was a founding member of the Connecticut Ornithological Association and the first field editor for its publication, The Connecticut Warbler.

Varza is survived by his brother, Victor Varza of Maryland; sister, Gail Santelle (Michael) of Trumbull; uncles, Thomas, Robert, Michael and Patrick Broderick; aunt, Catherine Broderick; a niece; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.

Calling hours will be Saturday, Jan. 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center, with a prayer service at 5:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Swim Across the Sound, c/o 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606.

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