Wayne W. Vargas

Wayne W. Vargas, 79, of Allenstown, NH, formerly of Auburn, NH, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at Merrimack County Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family, after a period of declining health.

Born in New Bedford, MA, on March 11, 1946, he was the son of the late Mary (Macedo) Buckles and her husband, the late George Buckles. Wayne was educated in New Bedford and proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank of Boatswain’s Mate Third Class (BM3).

Wayne dedicated his career to the transportation industry beginning in 1968 and retired in 2013 as a logistics manager with S&J Trucking. His work ethic, reliability, and leadership left a lasting impression on colleagues and peers alike.

Wayne found joy in many things—most notably golf, bowling, and spending time with family. He was a proud member of the VA Golf League at Candia Woods Country Club and bowled alongside his beloved wife, Anne-Marie (Brassard) Vargas, as part of the St. Peter’s Bowling League. He was also a longtime Little League coach and umpire in Auburn, NH, where he mentored and cheered on countless young athletes. Wayne was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and an active parishioner at St. Peter Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, a youth group advisor, and sang in the choir with Anne-Marie. His love of music did not stop with the choir, he shared his “soft rock gene” with his daughters and grandchildren.

Wayne’s sense of humor brightened every room and made him an instant friend to many. Warm, welcoming, and always ready to listen, he had a natural way of making others feel seen and valued, typically ending one of his heart-to-hearts with, “I am always here for you.”

He was always there for his grandchildren, attending school events, recitals, and sporting games whenever he could. Whether throwing a ball, dancing in the kitchen, playing outside, or having a heart-to-heart, Wayne’s unwavering love and commitment were the cornerstone of his family. He was instrumental in nurturing the closeness they share today and instilled in them the importance of loving one another well.

At family gatherings, he was often the one outside with the kids, earning the affectionate nickname “Uncle Wayne the Pain.” His legacy is one of laughter, presence, and deep devotion. Above all else, he will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, Grampy, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Anne-Marie (Brassard) Vargas; his daughters, Stephanie Aulis and her husband John, and Christine Alexander and her husband Tim; and his cherished grandchildren, Noah, Olivia, and Lucille. As Wayne said, “Love you more.” He is also survived by his brothers, George Buckles and Albert Buckles.

Wayne leaves behind extended family whom he loved dearly, including Andy Brassard, Roland Brassard and Doris Vaz Brassard, Paul and Patti Brassard, and Michael Brassard and Jaye Morency. He was a proud uncle to five nieces and one nephew. He will also be fondly remembered by lifelong friends Dick and Claudette Bolduc, the McManus family, and the Cocchiarella family, all of whom were more like family than friends.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North St., Manchester, NH 03104. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19th, at St. Peter Church, 567 Manchester Rd., Auburn, NH. Committal prayers with military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Highway, Boscawen, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA & NH Chapter, 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Merrimack County Nursing Home for their dedication, compassion, and support of both Wayne and Anne-Marie throughout his care.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.lambertfuneralhome.com.