Carl E. Varrell

MARBLEHEAD – Carl Ernest Varrell, 76, a lifelong resident of Marblehead, and retired Marblehead Police Officer, critically injured in the line of duty in 1976, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 25th surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Sheila (Donahue) Varrell with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Clifton “Ike” and Mabel (Sverker) Varrell. He was the devoted father of Kristen Varrell Haas and her husband, Jason of New London, NH and Melissa Varrell Bouchard and her husband, Gary of Marblehead; the cherished grandfather of Trevor and Sarah Haas of New London, Cole, Ellie and Cody Bouchard of Marblehead; the dear brother of Richard Varrell and his wife Pearl of Marblehead and the late David Varrell; and the brother-in-law of Christine (Donahue) Annese and her husband Edward of Hampton Falls, NH and Charlene Donahue of Beverly. He is also survived by his loving nieces whom he adored. They were all the light of his life.

Carl grew up in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the class of 1967 before attending the Police Academy and following in his father’s footsteps in becoming a Marblehead Police Officer.

Carl was a member of Old North Church in Marblehead. He was a member of the Gerry 5 VFA, the Philanthropic Lodge F.E.A.M., the Shriners, and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Carl cherished his time spent with family and friends. He loved doing crafts, watching his game shows, oil painting and Friday night poker games years ago. Carl’s biggest hobby was his daily rides around Town. He loved having his DD coffee and admiring the Harbor from Fort Beach. Carl dearly loved Marblehead!

Carl’s favorite place to go was to North Conway, NH. We went late spring and late fall. Carl had his favorite seafood restaurant, the Lobster Trap, there. He loved the Red Jacket Mountain View Inn and the staff became like a second family to him.

Carl always had a contagious smile and a good story to tell. He loved a good story and loved to reminisce about the Town characters and the Town history. Carl showed people how to keep their resolve and to keep their determination upbeat, even in the face of adversity. Carl persevered and did not allow his accident to define him. Always remember Carl as fun-loving with a strong determination and a positive attitude.

Visiting hours will be held at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street on Wednesday, September 4th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 5th at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Care Dimension, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923 or via www.caredimesions.org or to the Marblehead Council on Aging Outreach Services, 10 Humphrey St., Marblehead, MA 01945.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Carl’s family.