Cornelius J. Wagner

Cornelius J. Wagner, 74, of Leisure Knoll, Manchester, died suddenly, Sunday, February 2, 2025, at home. Born to Cornelius Wagner Jr. and Irene (Durback) Wagner in Elmwood Park, NJ on December 21, 1950. He met the love of his life, Ellen, whom he married in 1973. They then moved to Forked River and lived in Toms River for 28 years before moving to Manchester 11 years ago. Neil graduated from Oklahoma City University with a master's in psychology. He worked for Prudential Insurance for 40 years as a financial planner & sales manager before working for Brown & Brown Inc. as a healthcare enrollment representative since 2016.
Neil was an avid NY Yankee & Giants fan but often couldn't watch when they were playing bad. He enjoyed playing and watching golf. He loved his grill, and his newest hobby was perfecting meat in his smoker. Driving was his way to relax, and he loved taking road trips with his girls to amusement parks when they were growing up but also would just hop in the car to visit the Goodmans in Pennsylvania or check out a festival with Ellen. Neil loved watching Svengoolie with Ellen, Western movies and tv shows, and learning new things from cooking shows. He loved making corny jokes and making people laugh (and roll their eyes). A consummate family man, his family and grandchildren were his whole world. He always supported his children and grandchildren in their sports, dance recitals, cheer competitions and whatever else their current passions were. He would bring Ellen flowers "just because" or run to the store to pick up dessert or a certain type of soda someone mentioned they were in the mood for it. Neil was an amazing husband, dad, and Pappy and will be sorely missed by all.
Neil is predeceased by his parents Cornelius Wagner Jr. and Irene (Durback) Wagner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ellen (Duffy) Wagner; dearest daughters and sons in law: Lindsay & Shaun Goodman, and Samantha & Michael Brown; and adored grandchildren: Liam, Kylan, & Alivia Goodman, and Natalie & Derek Brown. Memorial Gathering is Sunday, 11am – 2pm at Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Road, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to benefit children with cancer to Ocean of Love 1709 NJ 37, Toms River NJ 08753.