Stephen Varney passed away suddenly at Lahey Medical Center in Peabody on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. He was only 49 years of age. Stephen was born in Cambridge, MA on October 21, 1965 to Robert E. & Ellen A. (Laskey) Varney. He was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School Class of 1983, attended SMU and graduated from East Coast Aero Technical School with degree in aircraft mechanics. Stephen lived in Melrose for many years before moving to Beverly 10 years ago. Stephen had a garage on Wyoming Ave in Melrose for 15 years where he honed his skills as an expert mechanic. He worked at a young age at PV Speed Shop in Malden, worked as an aircraft mechanic for American Airlines, Boeing and Lockheed for several years and at Calley Whitmore in Somerville for several years. Stephen had a passion for cars and was a talented mechanic who could restore and increase performance on muscle cars with the use of his "DYNO". Stephen finally realized a dream of owning his own shop in January 2009, when he opened SV Engineering & Performance on Route 1 in Peabody with his dad Robert (POPS). He had many interests including his love of all kinds of music, photography, snowmobiling and motorcycles. He toured the United States on his bike many times and especially loved riding to the New Hampshire Seacoast, Hampton Beach and to his favorite spot "Beauty Kills" in Rye, NH. Stephen was an avid sports fan, especially the Bruins and has been a member & follower of the National Hot Rod Association since he was a teenager. Stephen was the beloved son of Robert E. & Ellen A. (Laskey) Varney of Melrose. Cherished brother of Michele Varney, David Varney both of Saugus, Kevin Varney of Melrose and Derek Varney & his wife Amie of Brentwood, NH. Dear uncle of Colby, Tayla, Justine & Zachary. Also survived by his close friend Suzanne LaCombe, lifelong friends Duke Finn & Gary McCarthy as well as numerous other lifelong friends and business acquaintances. Visitation will be held at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 2:00-8:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose on Monday at 9:00AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend..In lie of flowers the Varney family encourages family and friends make a donation in Stephen's name to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or @ www.woundedwarriorproject.org