Walter J. "Wally" Wagner Jr.

Walter J. "Wally" Wagner, Jr., 70, lifelong Shrewsbury resident and beloved Shrewsbury Firefighter, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

He leaves his devoted wife of 46 " beautiful wonderful years" Janet M. (Davolio) Wagner; his cherished daughters, Julie M. LaRose and her husband Tom, of Vermont, Lori V. Scricco and her husband Alex, of Shrewsbury, and Lisa R. Reebel and her husband Brian, of Shrewsbury; his grandchildren, Jacob and Colin LaRose, Dylan and Savannah Scricco, and Lucas and Shane Reebel, whom he adored; his loving sisters, Pat Wagner, of Auburn, and Cathy Maniero-Janson and her husband Mark, of Swansea; his cousin, who was like a brother to Wally, Robert Fulginiti and his wife Donna; along with many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, fellow Shrewsbury Firefighters, and many wonderful friends. Wally was predeceased by his parents, Walter J. Wagner, Sr. and Josephine A. (Giovanelli) Wagner, a sister, Joan Martin-Waters; his brother-in-law, David Maniero.

He was born in Worcester, raised and educated in Shrewsbury; he graduated from Shrewsbury High School with the Class of 1974. Wally completed training to become a Firefighter at the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow, MA. He worked for the Shrewsbury Fire Department from 1988 until he retired in 2013, working at the Lake Station and at Headquarters. Wally also worked part-time for Auburn Housing Authority for many years.

In his free time, Wally enjoyed fishing, visiting the casino, and sitting at his picnic table, where he was able to chat with friends, or anyone who happened to see him and stop by and share a Miller Lite together. Above all, Wally's life was fulfilled by being surrounded by family and friends, which always made him so happy. He will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and his sayings – his favorite being "Do the whole thing!".

Wally's family would like to thank the VNA Nurses, Brittany and Jen, both of whom went above and beyond with their care for him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shrewsbury Fire and Police Relief Association, 11 Church Road, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, and/or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Dylan's Domination (https://www.cff.org/donate).

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Wagner family from 3 – 7 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday August 8th at St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury – kindly proceed directly to church, please. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.