Luciano Amadeo “Lucky” Varela, 82, born in Pecos, NM passed away amongst family at his home in Santa Fe, NM on Saturday, September 2, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother Catalina, father Celestino, sisters Josephine and Anna Marie, and brothers Celestino Jr. and Eligio. He is survived by his sister Guadalupe (Jose Archuleta), daughter Bernadette Fernandez (Alfred) and sons Jeff (Annette) and James (Susan), grandchildren Deanna, Denise Christina, Camille, Adam, Aaron, Alyssa, Andrea, and Nicolas; great-grandchildren, Sierra, Kaelei, Hunter, Ty, and Carlos, sisters-in-laws Viola Varela and Toni Varela, nephews Vincent Varela, Patrick J. Varela (Godson), Timothy Rodriguez and niece Victoria Denise Varela, and several nieces and nephews. Varela a veteran of the U.S. Army, served in the NM House of Representatives for 30 years representing House District 48. After a successful career in NM State Government at the Department of Finance and Administration, Varela was elected to the NM House in 1986 and was a strong advocate of public employees, children, senior citizens, and public education. He served as Chairman of the Legislative Finance Committee and Deputy Chairman of the House Appropriations & Finance Committee in addition to many other interim and legislative committees. Varela was a graduate of the College of Santa Fe and possessed a Law Diploma from LaSalle University. He was considered by many as the “budget steward” of state finances and sponsored legislation that secured the Public Employee’s Retirement Association (PERA) and Retiree Health Care Association (RHCA); and sponsored salary increase legislation for public employees and educators year after year. Deepest appreciation is extended to the staff at Christus St. Vincent Hospital, Santa Fe Care, Heritage Hospice, Olivas Sisters Home Care, and Dr. Joshua Brown for their care of our father during his illness. Donations to Esperanza Shelter, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, National Dance Institute (NDI) or the Food Depot on behalf of Rep. Luciano “Lucky” Varela are welcomed and encouraged. Visitation will take place Thursday, September 7th, 2017 from 1:00 - 5:00pm at the State Capitol. Rosary will be recited Sunday, September 10th, 2017 at 2:00pm at St. Anne's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 11th, 2017 at 12:00pm at St. Anne's Catholic Church, with Interment to follow at 2:15pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

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