Sheldon Wagner

On Saturday, December 31st, 2022, Sheldon Wagner, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away with his wife Susan at his side. Sheldon, known by many as Don, Shelly, Shel and Zaide was born on September 3rd, 1940 to Bessie and Harry Wagner in The Bronx, New York City. He had an older sister, Sydel, who was taken from them at a young age. Sheldon and Susan were happily married for 60 years. Don was welcomed into Susan’s family, parents Leon and Alice Goldberg, and Susan’s younger brother William and his wife Patricia.The young couple settled on Long Island and started a family. Four Boys! Harold, Ronald, Steven and Daniel rounded out the large family, and settled in Wheatley Heights and eventually to Plainview. He was adored by his nieces and nephews, David (Xia), Shari (Vladimir), Howard and Kelly. He soon welcomed daughter in-laws Stacey, Katherine, and Rebecca, and all of his grandchildren Sean, Jake, Abigail, Brian, Scarlett, Samuel, Timothy, and Kevin. Family meant everything to Don, and he was very proud of all the accomplishments of his kids and grandkids.

Shelly was a trade printer, and worked hard to support his growing family. He always had a second, and sometimes a third job to support his large family. He commuted into New York City every day, and most Saturdays. He enjoyed vacations with his family and friends, was an avid tennis player, and loved playing cards on poker night.

If there was one attribute that everyone admired was his quirky sense of humor. Don always had a joke to tell, a far out story, or was just looking for a laugh. It was hard to keep up with the jokes and the children often looked for Don to tell an outrageous story. Some of the stories were true… and he would joke about never being able to ride a bicycle or catch a fish. He would blame it on being a kid from the Bronx.

Sue and Don retired to the Berkshires, and spent almost 10 years in Lanesboro on Lake Pontoosuc. The empty nester couple spent their time volunteering at Tanglewood, and other theaters in the area. Don was also active in the restoration of a vintage carousel.

More recently, Sue and Don moved to Halfmoon, NY to be closer to family. They enjoyed visits with family and friends and kept a pretty busy schedule until Don encountered health issues. He never complained, and kept his sense of humor till the end. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Julia, Don’s caregiver for the last year and a half, which helped extend his life and allowed him to spend quality time with all of his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will immediately follow at Beth el Cemetery, 534 Gansevoort Road, Fort Edward, NY.