Julio C. Vargas, affectionately known as “Papa,” was born on July 16, 1946, in Guánica, Puerto Rico, to Vicente Vargas and Monserrate López. He later moved to Manhattan, New York, and was the seventh child of nine children. During his early years, Julio worked as a factory worker for several companies and spent time driving taxis. Although he never married, he was a loving father to his son Albert Vargas and his daughter Madelyn Vargas. 

Julio was a free spirit who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved playing the guitar, dominoes, bingo, and cards, and cherished long conversations over coffee and cigarettes. His warmth, humor, and easygoing nature made him unforgettable to all who knew him. In his later years, Julio bravely battled emphysema. During the final 15 months of his life, he moved to Zephyrhills, Florida, to live with his son. There, he enjoyed peaceful days watching baseball and his favorite television show, The Lone Ranger. Above all, Julio was grateful to God for the blessing of witnessing many generations of his family. He took great pride in meeting some of his eight grandchildren, twenty great‑grandchildren, and one great‑great‑granddaughter. His legacy of love, resilience, and humor will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. 

Julio is survived by his sister Gladys Vargas; son, Albert Vargas (Tito), daughter‑in‑law (Jennifer Vargas); daughter, Madelyn Vargas grandchildren, Margaret Vargas‑Thompson, (Leonard), Albert T. Vargas, (Diana), Julissa Vargas‑Romero, (Emmanul), Cristallyn Alicea, Joselynn Vargas‑Jefferson (Cameron), Destiney Vargas, Francisco J. Alicea, and Frances Camacho; as well as twenty great‑grandchildren and one great‑great‑granddaughter; also, a host of nephews and nieces.