Erend Monsignor Julian Bennett Varettoni

Reverend Monsignor Julian Bennett Varettoni, pastor emeritus of Sacred Heart Parish in Clifton, entered eternal life on February 23rd, 2023; he was 92. Msgr. Varettoni was born in Passaic, New Jersey, on February 24th, 1930 to Julian and Rachel (Mairani) Varettoni. He was christened Julian Bennett, and was eventually joined by two brothers, Robert and Leroy. At this time the Varettoni family resided in Clifton. Julian attended public schools through the eighth grade in Clifton, Budd Lake and Garfield. He received his First Holy Communion at St. Michael’s Church in Netcong, New Jersey. When the family moved to Garfield, New Jersey, and registered in the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows. It was here that under the pastoral guidance of Fr. V. Laurence Cardelicchio, that Julian first considered studying for the Catholic priesthood. He began and completed his secondary education at Seton Hall Prep and Divinity School in South Orange, New Jersey. He completed theological studies at Immaculate Conception Major Seminary, Darlington, New Jersey and earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Julian was ordained as a priest on June 4th, 1955, at the Cathedral of St. John’s in Paterson, New Jersey, by the third Bishop of Paterson, His Excellency James A. McNulty, D.D. His first Solemn Mass was celebrated on June 5th, 1955 at Sacred Heart Church in Clifton. Fr. Varettoni was assigned as Assistant Pastor for one year at St. Anthony’s Church, Hawthorne, New Jersey. In 1956 he was assigned Assistant Pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Dover, New Jersey, where he served until 1964. During this time, Fr. Varettoni was also served as Chaplain at Dover General Hospital, as a member of the Diocesan Priests’ Committee for Vocations, and as District Director of C.Y.O., 1963-1964. Having his background of Master of Chant and Choir Director in the seminary, he developed and directed St. Mary’s Men’s choir. There were forty men who were called upon for Diocesan liturgical demonstrations and functions. In addition to these duties, Fr. Varettoni taught religion at Morris Catholic High School from 1959-1964, and was appointed Ordinary Confessor of Sisters by Bishop McNulty, a post he retained until 1971. In 1964, he was assigned Assistant Pastor of St. George’s Church in Paterson, where he continued his musical efforts with a very successful mixed choir. At this time, he also served on the faculty of DePaul Regional High School in Wayne, and on the faculty of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, where he taught psychology. From 1965 through 1970, Father also served as Defender of the Bond in the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal. On November 29th, 1966, the fifth Bishop of Paterson, Lawrence B. Casey, D.D., announced to the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, the news that Fr. Julian Bennett Varettoni was appointed as Pastor. Under Father’s leadership and guidance, his first priority was to rid the parish of debt, which he accomplished, thereby eliminating the long-term debts. Fr. Varettoni was a true leader, leading his flock through the loss of the Religious Teachers Filippini who had staffed the Sacred Heart School from inception, to a completely lay faculty and administration. He had also guided the school through a series of ups and downs throughout the years. Father was able to manage the increased operational costs, and still manage to receive awards for the outstanding education it provided. In 1981, a fire destroyed the school auditorium which had been the heart of the church’s social activities; and damaged the remainder of the school. Again, under his guidance and leadership, the auditorium was rebuilt, only larger and now with a cafeteria. He also was able to do all of this, without incurring any dept. He went on to expand the school by incorporating the former convent, built a library, computer resource center, a science and art labs, a youth room, a fitness center and a senior room. He established a child care and a senior day care programs, and made the building a true parish center. In 1984, shortly after the rebuilding of the auditorium, and in recognition of his various and vast achievements, he was named by Pope John Paul II as a Prelate of Honor, giving him the title of Reverend Monsignor, which in his usual humble way, did not use. During his tenure as Pastor at Sacred Heart, he saw both the 75th and 100th anniversaries of the parish. On the latter occasion, the City of Clifton honored Msgr. And his family by changing the name of “Botany Place” to “Varettoni Place.” Under the Monsignor, the parish completely renovated the interior of the church twice and erected a vestibule to the church. Over his tenor, millions of dollars were spent, and not one penny was ever borrowed, thanks in good part to the tithing program he introduced, and his stellar leadership. Msgr., was also an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, Regina Mundi Council 3969. Msgr., is survived by his dear brother Leroy and his wife Roberta Varettoni, their 3 children; David and his wife Michelle Varettoni, Cynthia Varettoni, and William Varettoni; his sister-in-law Frances Varettoni, her 2 children; Robert and his wife Nancy Varettoni, and Susan and her husband Greg Woldanski. He was predeceased by his dear brother Robert Varettoni. On Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, Reverend Monsignor Julian B. Varettoni, will be received into Sacred Heart Church, 145 Randolph Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey 07011; where he will lay in state until 7:00 pm. Evening prayer will begin at 7:00pm, and visitation will conclude at 8:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 at 11:00 am, at Sacred Heart Church. As this is the Lenten season, there will be no flowers in church, the family has requested that a contribution to one of the four organizations, close to the Monsignor’s heart, would be most appropriate and appreciated; Eva's Village, www.EvasVillage.org or Catholic Charities, www.ccPaterson.org or The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, www.rcdop.org/missions-office or lastly, EWTN,- www.ewtn.com
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