WALTHAM – William O. Wagner Sr., 78, of Leona Wilbur Road, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at his home. Bill was born March 17, 1931, in Bath, the son of Robert Earl Sr. and Maude Mae Rival Wagner. He was educated in Bath schools and graduated from Morse High School in 1949. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, sailing on the USS Gardiners Bay. He married Elizabeth Bradbury, in 1954. Bill graduated from Bowdoin College, Class of 1957, with a degree in liberal arts and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He worked for Great Northern Paper, Millinocket, for 13 years in computer management. In 1970, he went to work for UNUM, where he became a controller and vice president of finance, retiring after 24 years of service. Throughout his career, Bill was active in the Boy Scouts, United Way, and served on the board of directors of Bath Savings Trust Co. After retiring he and Elizabeth moved to Tucson, Ariz., for eight years where Bill was a docent in the Sonoran Desert Museum. In 2000, they moved to Brunswick for six years and later moved to Waltham, where they have resided for the past three years. Throughout his life, Bill loved his family, golfing, fishing and boating. Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth; two sons, William O. Wagner Jr. and wife, Denise, of Orr’s Island, and Christopher S. Wagner of Cape Elizabeth; daughter, Bethany J. Leeman and husband, Alden, of Harpswell; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and his special cat, Elliot. He is predeceased by his parents; brother, Robert E. Wagner Jr.; and sister, Marion Mawyer. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday at Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Church, McKeen Street, Brunswick. Committal services with military honors will be held afterward at Oak Grove Cemetery, Bath. The family invites you to join them immediately after the committal service at Stetson’s Funeral Home Reception Center. Donations in his memory may be made to Volunteer Fire and Rescue Program, Waltham, ME 04605 or Tedford House, care of Jennifer James, 49 Cumberland St., Brunswick, ME 04011. Memorial condolences may be expressed and a memorial tribute may be viewed at www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
WILLIAM O. WAGNER SR.
