Jose Vargas, 86, of Lancaster, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at his residence.

Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Eloy Vargas and Salome D'Leon. He was married for 66 years to his wife, Julia Esther (Oquendo) Vargas.

Jose served the Lord for 48 years. For 25 years, he faithfully served as a pastor. He founded three churches, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those he shepherded. In his retirement, he served as an associate pastor at Rescatando El Mundo Para Cristo (RMC) in Lancaster. Jose's missionary spirit took him to various corners of the globe, where he shared the teachings of the Lord and offered support to those in need. Outside the church, Jose found joy in the simple pleasures of life. A devoted family man, he prioritized spending time with his loved ones above all else. His love for fishing brought him moments of tranquility, and as a die-hard Yankees fan, he celebrated victories and weathered defeats with unwavering loyalty. Playing dominos with friends and family brought laughter and fun, reflecting his ability to find joy in every moment. Among his simple joys was indulging in his wife's coffee. A diligent and hardworking individual throughout his life, Jose's commitment to his faith extended to every aspect of his being.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Esther Vargas; his children, Gladys Vargas Cruz, Judy Vargas, Joseph Vargas, Henry (Evelyn) Vargas, Robert (Migdalia) Vargas, Sara (Richard Rivera) Vargas, and David (Marianela) Vargas; his siblings, Nelson Vargas, Angelo Cruz, Javier Cruz, and Ramona Vargas; and he was the grandfather of three generations of grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Epiphano Vargas, William Vargas, and Gladys Cruz.

Friends and family will be received from 10AM to 11AM on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Rescatando El Mundo Para Cristo (RMC), 601 Rohrerstown Rd., Lancaster, PA 17603. A Funeral Service will follow beginning at 11AM. Burial will take place in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, 11 Greenfield Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jose's name to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601 or through the following link: https://www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/in-honor-in-memory-gifts/ .