Joseph Peter Variani

Joseph Peter Variani, age 86, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away on October 13, 2025. He was born on October 14, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Joseph and Marie Veronica Variani.

Joe graduated from Tulane University with honors in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Shortly after graduation, he began his career with Borden Chemicals in Geismar, Louisiana, where he remained a loyal and dedicated employee for nearly forty years before retiring.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Emily Gaines.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 32 years, Lillian Silva Variani, of Diamondhead. Joe is also survived by his three stepchildren: Eric Martin (Kathleen), Lori Williams (Mark), and Craig Martin (Dianne); his beloved grandchildren: Jarrod Martin, Spencer Martin, Christopher Williams, and Abby Williams; his brother-in-law, Steve Gaines; and two nieces, Stephanie Kleider (John) and Donna McCraney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church (9062 Kiln-Delisle Road, Pass Christian, MS) at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at a later date at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Joseph Peter Variani.