Anthony Varvaro was a former MLB pitcher who became a New York police officer. He was on his way to work for the 9/11 memorial service.
On Sunday, police officers and former baseball players confirmed his heartbreaking news. He is survived his wife and four young children.
Jersey City native Varvaro played for the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox in the major leagues, before retiring in June 2016 to become a Port Authority police officer.
Braves shared the following tweet: “We are deeply sorry for the loss of Anthony Varvaro, former Braves pitcher.” Anthony, 37 years old, spent six seasons with the Majors including four with Atlanta.
He voluntarily retired as a MLB player in 2016 and became a Port Authority Police Officer.
“He was on his way to the World Trade Center Command commemorating September 11 2001 activities, when he was in an auto accident.
“Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to his family and coworkers.
Anthony Varvaro, a former baseball player and now a police officer was killed in a crash.
He was a former MLB pitcher and was headed to Manhattan to attend the 9/11 memorial in Manhattan.
New Jersey newspaper Daily Voice reported Varvaro’s death in a collision with a driver who was not following the rules. The accident occurred near Exit 14C of the New Jersey Turnpike. It is close to the Holland Tunnel.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey made the following statement in the meantime: “Officer Varvaro represented all that was best about this agency and will always be remembered for his bravery and devotion to serving the public.”
‘On this solemn occasion as the Port Authority mourns the loss of 84 employees in the attacks on the World Trade Center — including 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department — our grief only deepens today with the passing of Officer Varvaro.
“On behalf all of the agency, we extend our deepest sympathy to Officer Varvaro.” [family].’
Varvaro pitching for the Boston Red Sox against New York Yankees, shortly before his retirement
Varvaro was on his way to join his colleagues as police officers at the 9/11 memorial.
Mike Hampton, St. John’s baseball head coach, said that he was “at a loss of words” over Varvaro’s passing.
Hampton said that Varvaro was not only a great player but also a wonderful person. Hampton was the assistant coach at St. John’s in Varvaro’s three seasons. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones, including his friends, family, colleagues, and co-officers.
Staten Island’s SILive reported that Varvaro was a pillar in the community. He was elected president of the Snug Harbor Little League, on the borough’s North Shore. According to some reports, Varvaro fought for improvements to the league’s facilities including night-game lighting.
Varvaro stated at that time, “This will be an improvement in the community.” It will give these children a better chance. For the little league’s boys and girls, there is a bright future.
John Eberlein said that Varvaro’s death was a tragic accident. He is a close friend and a former coach at Curtis High School. He was better than any baseball player.
His dream was to be a cop. His plan was in place.
On Sunday, 21st year anniversary of New York’s terrorist attacks, flowers were placed at the 9/11 memorial