Charles A. Wagner

Charles August Wagner, of Arlington, died January 11, 2016. He was classically trained as an electrical engineer and was a lifelong tinkerer, who greatly enjoyed studying the mechanics of things and repairing them. He could often be found in his basement, fixing household items that were considered irredeemably broken by all others. He hated to see anything, no matter how small or mundane, wasted. This lead him to constant small innovations, such as the discovery that pistachio shells could be ground up and sprinkled on the front steps to provide traction in the winter. Cereal boxes lined his kitchen walls for art and insulation purposes.

Charles proudly served his country in the US Army. He was a kind and generous man who loved classical music and public radio. He was a true Renaissance man, equally talented in electronics and philosophy, poetry and music appreciation.

He is survived by his two children, Stephen R. Wagner of Amesbury and Carl A. Wagner of Arlington, three grandchildren, brother Robert Wagner of Portland ME., his former wife Barbara J. (Battman) Wagner of Arlington, his current companion Grace Dingee of Arlington, and many friends.

He also leaves behind murky conceptual plans for a new form of flying machine and many other designs, all recorded on the backs of envelopes. He will be greatly missed by us all.


A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 15 at 10am at the Church of the Good Shepherd 95 Woburn St. (Corner of Woburn and Chute Sts.) Reading. Burial is private and there are no visiting hours.

Charles loved listening to the broadcasts of the BSO from Tanglewood and Symphony Hall all his life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the WGBH foundation. A memorial gift may be made at http://www.wgbh.org/support/planned_tribute.cfm. Arrangements under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, Reading.