Daniel Joseph WAGNER

Daniel Joseph Wagner, 89, died Tuesday (Sept. 14, 2010) in Good Samaritan Home.

He was born April 7, 1921, in the family home in New York City, the youngest son of Katherine Ann Hession and Francis Daniel Wagner. He married Margaret "Peggy" Dodge on Sept. 30, 1944.

Daniel was faithfully devoted to his family, his friends, his country, his employer and his church. As a young child, Daniel served as an altar boy in New York City, later attending Regis High School and Manhattan College. He taught catechism while attending St. Mary's Church in Lake Forest. While a student at Manhattan College, Daniel's lifesaving blood donations to a close friend helped science unravel the mystery of the Rh factor.

As a proud, young Marine, Daniel served as part of the Fleet Forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He performed as company officer, platoon leader, and company executive officer, ending his military career as Second Lieutenant in China at the end of the war. Following the war, Daniel became a committed employee of American Brake Shoe Co./Abex Corp. for 40 years, being dubbed "Fossil" by young salesmen in his division.

Daniel was a loving father and a devoted husband to Margaret "Peggy" Dodge Wagner, whom he married in Quantico, Va., just prior to being shipped overseas. Their marriage spanned 63 years.

Surviving Daniel are his daughters, Elizabeth "Ann" Harley of Chardon, Ohio, L. Rita Sloan and husband, Pastor Lindy M. Sloan of Quincy, and a son, Kevin Wagner of Great Barrington, Mass.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jack Wagner of Lansbury, Pa.

Daniel was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his oldest daughter, Susan Dodge Wright; and his oldest brother, Frank Wagner.

SERVICES: A private service will be scheduled at a later date

MEMORIALS: American Cancer Society

ARRANGEMENTS: Hansen-Spear Funeral Home

WEB SITE: www.hansen-spear.com

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.