Sean Varner, 36, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully September 11, 2022 after a

courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 6th, 1986 in Oak Park, Illinois at West

Suburban Hospital. Sean is survived by his parents James (Karen) Varner of Gladstone, Oregon

and Kathleen Varner of Oak Park, Illinois. Brother Brian (Kelly) Varner and his beloved niece

and nephew Violet and Calvin. He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents Joseph and Rita

White and paternal grandparents Eugene and Elizabeth Varner. As well as uncles Thomas and

John White.

Sean Varner was many things to many people; a son, a brother, a best friend. A sommelier, chef,

dancer, philanthropist, and sports lover (especially volleyball and The Chicago Cubs). Everyone

he encountered, he left sheer joy in his wake. He was thoughtful, understanding, sympathetic and

kind. He made people laugh to the point of tears, and loved deeply with all his heart.

If there's one thing Sean will never be, it's forgotten.

Sean was a lifelong member of the service industry, working in many bars and restaurants in

New Orleans and Chicago. He held many roles, including server, bartender, and general

manager, but his true passion was wine and fine foods. His favorite role was serving as a Wine

and Beverage Director using his vast knowledge to design and create wine pairings and craft

cocktails for guests. He also enjoyed cooking elaborate recipes for his friends.

He was a member of the Iota Alpha chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity at DePaul University

and served as their Social Chair. He loved his fraternity brothers and participated in countless

Greek activities.

Sean was a very generous friend and volunteered in his spare time, fundraising and advocating

for various charities and organizations around the city of Chicago. He worked closely with the

MaeBell Ward Foundation raising funds to find a cure for Alzheimer's Disease.

As a sports enthusiast, he was obsessed with the Chicago Cubs and participated in as many

fantasy sports leagues as he could. At Oak Park River Forest High School, he was a member of

the men's volleyball team and Orchesis Dance Company.

Those that knew him knew that volleyball was his passion! He was a member of the DePaul

Men's Club team as well as many club leagues on the beach and courts around Chicago. He

found his true volleyball calling when he became involved with NAGVA Volleyball

Association. It allowed him to travel all over the country to meet and play with other LGBTQ+

volleyball players and allies.

Sean loved books and was an avid reader. He wished to have all his books donated to

Books4Cause, a free local bookstore that he often supported.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to The Andrew Weishar Foundation,

which provided Sean with financial relief for his cancer treatments.

The family also requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to

The Andrew Weishar Foundation so that other young adults can receive the same love and

support they extended to Sean: www.weish4ever.org

Sean's wish was to have all his loved ones gather for a celebration of life. He wanted to be

remembered in the happiest of ways. Please join the family in celebrating Sean's life on October

2nd, 2022 at The Piggery Restaurant and Rooftop from 4:30-7:30pm 1625 W. Irving Park Road

Chicago, Illinois 60613.