Passing of Dr. Richard Vari

Dear VTCSOM Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni,

Dr. Rick Vari died in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 12, 2022. The loss of our founding curriculum dean will be felt deeply within our medical school and by a large community of family, friends and professional colleagues who Rick touched. Rick’s desire to reach out, support and connect with others shone brightly throughout his life, including over the past year when his physical challenges became formidable.

Last Tuesday, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors recognized Dr. Vari for his distinguished service to the university with the title Professor Emeritus of Basic Science Education.  We were able to communicate this to Rick several days before his death and hope it provided some comfort.

In her email, his wife Patty wrote that Rick “loved his VTC family and much appreciated the support and compassion shown him in the face of this cruel and debilitating disease.”  That feeling of love, and our memories of Rick’s loving presence, will be an everlasting gift from Rick that we will cherish.   

There will be a memorial service with the date still to be determined – I will share the details when available.

Lee A. Learman, MD, PhD (he/him/his)
Dean, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine