Francis V. "Frank" Wagner

Wagner, Francis V.
April 15, 1916 - April 15, 2009
Francis V. (Frank) Wagner was born on April 15, 1916 in New York City and died of natural causes on the morning of his 93rd birthday, at his home in Pacific Palisades, CA. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Ginny Wagner, who died last October at the age of 92. He is survived by three children: Trina (Bud) Pate of Pacific Palisades, CA ; Michael (Jolon) Wagner of Los Altos Hills, CA, and Frank (Karen) Wagner of West Lynn, OR. Frank also leaves behind six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
A graduate of Manhattan College, Frank began his career in 1938 designing barges in New York City. In 1944, Frank and Ginny moved to Southern California for Frank's work with North American Aviation, where he and others used early computing technology to design the first jet fighter plane and the record-setting X-15. He eventually took the lead at North American's Computer Division then joined four colleagues in the early 1960s to found Informatics, Inc. As Senior Executive Vice President and Member of the Board, Frank helped Informatics grow to become the premier software company of the 1960s and 70s, partnering with IBM to provide guidance systems for NASA's moon landing. He retired from Informatics at the age 70 but remained active for another twenty years.
Frank and Ginny were founding parishioners of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Pacific Palisades, CA, where he served as lector, usher, lay Eucharistic Minister, and founder of the parish's Legion of Mary. In recognition of his service and commitment to the Catholic Church, Frank was made a Knight of Saint Gregory and given a pontifical decoration in 2006: the Benemerenti Award.
Frank was an avid golfer, bridge player and world traveler.
In lieu of flowers, please say a prayer for the eternal repose of Frank's soul. It is his family's hope that in the spirit of Frank's life and memory, someone will be inclined to "pay it forward" by choosing to act charitably through their time or talents to those in need - especially in light of current economic stresses.
A memorial service will be held for Frank at Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2009.