Robert J. Wagner

Robert J. Wagner
April 12, 2025
LCDR Robert J Wagner, 88, formerly of Pittston, PA died Saturday, April 12, 2024, in Severna Park, MD, Hospice of the Chesapeake. He lived in Gambrills, Md. from 1974 until his death.
He was born on September 22, 1936, to William A Wagner and Margaret Kress Wagner in the small coal mining town of Pittston, PA. This was during the great depression and the seeds of WWII were being sewn. Originally attending St. Mary's school, he later transferred to Pittston High school for better opportunities to play football. He graduated from Pittston High School in 1953. In his senior year, he played Quarterback and led the team to a very successful season. He was given a golden football which he gave to his high school sweetheart – Judy Loyack.
Robert J. Wagner married the love of his life, Judith Loyack Wagner in the Church of the Holy Cross, Nicosia, Cyprus on July 19, 1958, during an active war between the "Turks and the Brits". Their reception was postponed for months. Reportedly a good time was had by all when the reception finally occurred.
Shortly after graduation, Bobby enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in the United States Navy, after initial testing on the standard application tests, he scored well and was assigned to communications and cryptology. Eventually, this led him to a career in US Naval Intelligence. His job description to his children in elementary years was that he made Hershey Bars for the US Navy. He would bring a Hershey's bar home every Friday afternoon as proof. Becky believed this until she was 16 years old. Bobby always remembered special things for Judy and each of their children.
He initially received basic training in Bainbridge, MD. Later, Stationed in Bar Harbor, ME, Adak AK, Nicosia, Cyprus, Anderson AFB, Guam, NSA at FT George G. Meade and the Naval Research Lab in SW, Washington, DC. and during the Vietnam War in Misawa, Japan; while there he reported being chased by a Russian MIG while testing new communications equipment over the sea of Japan. These duty stations were interspersed with multiple training courses in communications, cryptology, engineering, computer programming and intelligence analysis schools. After working his way up the enlisted ranks, he completed Officers Candidate School in 1965 and was commissioned. His first rank as an officer was as an Ensign (youngest ever in the Navy at the time). He worked with the crew of the SR71 Spy plane where he verified the existence of the first Chinese Nuclear Submarine. Afterwards, back to MD and the NRL and as a liaison to the NSA. He frequently briefed the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding Naval Intelligence and National Security. After retiring as an LCDR from the USN in 1980, he joined the "beltway bandits" and worked in the private sector with Naval Intelligence until his retirement in 2000. During this time, he traveled to many countries, notably Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, Hong Kong, the Philippines and often to Edinburgh, Scotland.
While in the Navy, Bobby received many honors, he never spoke about them – he simply tucked them into his top dresser drawer. One of his greatest honors in later life was his induction into the Sons of the American Revolution in recognition of his ancestor Revolutionary War Veteran and Patriot, Captain Johannes "Adam" Wagner in October of 2024. He was a current member of the John Paul Jones Chapter of SAR in Annapolis, MD.
Bobby Wagner was a devoted to his family, husband and father, he always made life special, go carts, dirt bikes, horses, camping trips in Japan and magical Christmases. He was always focused on getting the "perfect" tree, setting up the Lionel train and platform and Judy's job to decorate the tree. Always magical for the kids to wake up to and know that Santa had arrived. One year when money was tight, Bobby got a second job as a truck off loader at Toys'R'US to make sure that his children had a good Christmas. That's the type of dad he was, a good man, kind, understanding and generous to anyone in need.
Bobby was always adventurous. Every Sunday, he would take the family for a "Sunday Drive" exploring the countryside. Ice cream was normally involved on those trips. He cherished his trips "home" to see family and old friends in Pittston every other weekend.
His wife of 67 years, Judith Ann Loyack Wagner pre-deceased him on May 20, 2023. He was heartbroken.
He is survived by sons Robert A. Wagner (Brenda), Spring Brook Twp, PA; William A. Wagner II, Gambrills, Md.; and daughter Rebecca A. Fiaschetti (Dominic), Gambrills, Md.; and one precious granddaughter Alice Pendrell.
He is survived by sister Margaret Wagner Homnick and brother John Wagner and many nieces and nephews. All of which he loved dearly.
Bobby was predeceased by his beloved siblings, William F Wagner, Charles Wagner, Michael Wagner, David Wagner, Mary Theresa McHugh, Clara Wagner Scalonge. Special mention to Michael George Loyack (Grace), Bobby's childhood best friend and favorite brother-in-law after he and Judy married. They served as altar boys at St. Mary's together.
His funeral will be Saturday, May 3rd with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, 535 N. Main St., Pittston. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. to service time. Interment will be in St. Mary, Help of Christians Cemetery, Pittston next to his beloved Judy.
Arrangements are from Paul F. Leonard Funeral Home, Pittston.
Contributions are suggested for the Tunnel to Tower Foundations at https://t2t.org/donate.
He would really appreciate that.