Brian Wagner

Brian R Wagner, 75, a longtime resident of Staatsburg, died Friday, August 19th at Waterview Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Purdys, NY.
He was born in Troy, NY on October 15, 1946, son of Leo and Hazel (Brenner) Wagner and brother of Sandra Kletter.
Brian grew up in Albany NY, graduating from Albany High School, then going on to earn a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy from Oswego State University.
For 27 years, Brian served as a Patient Resource Agent for the NYS Office of Mental Hygiene at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center, and then for seven more as Assistant Business Officer for NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Ogden Mills Mansion. Brian considered it a privilege to work in these historic buildings.
On March 4, 1972, Brian married the former Deborah Syvarth in Monsey, NY. Mrs. Wagner survives at home.
Brian lived most of his adult life in Staatsburg where he raised his family. He served for several years as a volunteer firefighter for Staatsburg Engine Company 2. He was an avid golfer, and was director of Whispering Pines Golf Club located on the grounds of the psychiatric center. Coaching his sons teams for and serving as president of Hyde Park Little League was one of his greatest joys. He rarely missed any of his children s sporting or scouting events, dance recitals or other performances or academic ceremonies.
Some of Brian s other interests included home carpentry projects, working in his yard and cruising around in his BMW z3. He enjoyed American History, especially that of the Civil War era. Come springtime he could always be found cheering on his favorite baseball team, the NY Mets. There was not a dog Brian didn t love, and his beloved Squeaky, Daisy, Aggie and Tippy held special places in his heart.
More than anything, Brian loved his family and would stop at nothing to make sure everyone had what they needed. His favorite times were spent with his children and grandchildren, whether at a beach house on the Jersey shore, a holiday celebration or simply a backyard barbecue.
In addition to his wife, Brian is survived by his daughter and son in law, Monica and Rick Davis of Carmel, daughter, Adrianne Graham, of New Milford, CT and former son in law, Gregg Graham, son and daughter in law, Philip and Kristen Wagner, of Fairfield, CT, and son and daughter in law, Douglas and Melissa Wagner, of Burlington, CT. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, William Wagner, Rich and Ellyse Davis, Aidan, Lucas and Grace Graham, Hannah and Peter Wagner, and Benjamin and Lillian Wagner. Brian is also survived by brothers in law, John Syvarth and Walter Syvarth, cousins, William Feasenmyer and Catherine Goolsby, many nieces and nephews, his faithful friend, Mike Voulgaris, and new friend, Cal.
Brian s family would like to thank the entire staff at Waterview Hills for caring for Dad with compassion, love and dignity during his final days.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation will be from 2 to 5 PM, Saturday, August 27th at Sweet s Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.
In lieu of flowers, Brian s family gratefully requests donations to the Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538. (www.dcspca.com)
To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Brian s obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.