The Rt. Rev. Robert Patrick Varley, retired Assistant Bishop of Minnesota, died of an aneurysm on May 3. He was 78.

A native of Allentown, Pa., Bishop Varley was a graduate of Carroll College, Nashotah House and Philadelphia Divinity School. He was ordained deacon and priest in 1947 and consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of Nebraska in 1971.

Before his election as bishop, he served as assistant at St. Paul's Church, Chester, Pa., 1947-50; rector of St. Stephen's, Beverly, N.J., 1950-56; and rector of St. Peter's, Salisbury, Md., 1957-71. As a bishop, he served in Nebraska from 1971 to 1975 and in Minnesota, 1981-86.

In his retirement, he served as interim of Christ Church, Manhassett, N.Y., Good Shepherd, Jacksonville, Fla., All Saints', Florence, S.C., and Grace Church, Lynchburg, Va., assisting bishop of Florida and bishop-in-residence of Florida. He also served as a deputy to General Convention in 1958 and 1970.

His wife, Brenda J. Duff Varley, and children survive him.