Neal Vars

Portsmouth, RI - Neal Vars, 62, of 3 4th Street, Portsmouth, RI, died Thursday, January 14, 2010, at home surrounded by his family, in Portsmouth, RI. Born in Newport, RI, on January 26, 1947, he was the son of the late Neal F. and Pauline Manchester Vars.Mr. Vars was a member of the Portsmouth Senior Center, and a member of the Newport Musicians Union. He was also a member of the local band called Skybird as the drummer. He was a very accomplished Jazz drummer. Neal, in his youth, was a championship bowler, winning many trophies. He loved movies, horror movies being his favorite.He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Long of Portsmouth, RI, Diana Menezes of Portsmouth, RI, and Doris Parton of FL, his brother, John Vars of Narragansett, RI, his sisters, Debra Jackson of Portsmouth, RI, Carol Patenaude of Portsmouth, RI, and Sharon Rebello of Bristol, RI, his grandsons Michael Menezes and Mathew Janssen, his granddaughters Samantha Menezes, Kathryn Sowers, Franna Mae Long, and Sarah Janssen, and his dearest friend, Claudia Vars.He is preceded in death by his brother, Paul Vars. Calling hours will be held Sunday January 17, 2010, from 4 pm - 8pm, in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, with a prayer service at 7:30 pm. His funeral and burial will be private.Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Visiting Nurses Hospice of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth RI, 02871, or to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave., P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT, 06450.