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Charlie Wagner Obituary
He presented an award in his honor to the Phillies Unsung Hero between games in the stadium earlier Wednesday night.
Wagner, 93, was a professional baseball player for the Boston Red Sox from 1938 to 1946, helping the team win the American League pennant in 1946.
He pitched 100 games during six seasons for the Sox, posting a 32-23 record and a 3.91 ERA until his retirement after the 1946 season. He was the ultimate bullpen-saver, completing 30 of the 67 games he started.
He roomed with Ted Williams for years. He pitched to Babe Ruth. He was in uniform for, but because of an injury didn’t pitch in, the 1946 World Series against the Cardinals.
His professional baseball career began in 1935, pitching for the Red Sox's AA team in Charlotte. He played for Minneapolis, the Red Sox's AAA team, in 1936 and 1937, where he was a 20-game winner each year.
Upon completion of his major league career as a player, he served as the assistant director of the minor leagues for the Red Sox from 1947 to 1960. From 1961 to the present, he has been a scout and a consultant for the Red Sox. He also was the Red Sox pitching coach in 1970.
In July 2005, Wagner accepted a World Series championship ring during a presentation at FirstEnergy Stadium. A Red Sox executive said of Wagner, “It’s like he’s the grandfather of the Red Sox.”
The FirstEnergy Stadium press box was named after Wagner and dedicated in August of 2000.
Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Charles and Mabel Wagner.
Wagner, Reading, was predeceased by his wife, Elynor V. (Becker) Wagner, on Nov. 9, 2004.
Wagner was a Navy veteran of World War II.
He was a member of Nativity Lutheran Church, Reading.
Wagner is survived by a son, Craig P., Reading.
He was predeceased by a brother, Henry Wagner, and a sister, Elizabeth Parks.
Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Nativity Lutheran Church, 1501 N. 13th St., Reading. Burial will be in Laureldale Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jimmy Fund. Please send a check payable to The Jimmy Fund to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Sixth Floor, Brookline, MA 02445, Attn: Contribution Services. www.kuhnfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charlie Wagner
Sue Bierman
August 23, 2024
Charlie was my godfather and lived two doors down from us on Linden Street. He and Ellie, whom I'm named for, were so loving and big part of my growing up - I feel blessed to have had them in my life.
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
A BOSTON RED SOX!
MEMORY ETERNAL!
cheryl spielvogel
July 8, 2010
I know this is a little late but just wanted to let you know that I was deeply saddened to hear of Charlie's death. I have been vending at Phillies games for 35 years and in that time I was able to laugh and joke with Charlie when he would come to Veterans Stadium. He was truly one of the gentlemen of baseball.
Steven Wagner
August 30, 2008
I just found this on the internet. Charlie was a distant relative of mine that I only was able to meet a few times as a child. i am so sorry to hear of his passing. Please know his legacy will never die. He lives on in our memories.
Jesus Torres
July 7, 2008
Seattle Mariners !! :)
Miracle
June 21, 2008
I sorry to hear about your lost and I would like to share with the family a comforting scripture at John11:25" Jesus said I am the resurrction and the life he that exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life.
Donald Wagner Jr.
January 3, 2007
My condolences to the family. Charlie was my grandfather Henry's brother making Charlie my great uncle I suppose. I was somewhat shocked to hear of his passing since our families have not kept in touch. I've never met anyone from Charlie's side of the family. It would be great to hear from some of them. I only met Charlie once, and as far as us grandkids knew, he was a baseball player. Somehow we expected Charlie to be in uniform when we met him, but he was probably in his 60's at the time. He sent us all a signed baseball by all the players which was great. I always wished he and my grandfather were closer, so we could have known him better. My condolences to my extended family and best wishes. Don
[email protected]
Donna Hanson & Jeanne McGurn
October 13, 2006
Charlie,
We are all so sad to hear of your Dad's passing. We shed a tear when we read the last baseball game he attended was against our Portland Sea Dogs. We always enjoyed hearing you speak about him. Rest assured he'll be 'present' at many more games. Thinking of you,
Bob Regan
September 12, 2006
My family and I were deeply saddened to hear of Charlie's death and want to send our sincere sympathy to his family.
We had the privilege of meeting Charlie when he came to the Black Hills in the early 1960's to scout college athletes playing in the Basin League.
He travelled to Sturgis for only 2 seasons, but he left a lasting impression on many people in our area. We will always remember him.
He was such a class act and a great friend. We feel blessed to have known him and to have kept in touch with him over these many years.
Allen Minch
September 7, 2006
Charlie, I'm sorry I never got to meet you, but we have suffered a big loss in Baseballtown. You will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you've done for Reading, and for your country!
Joan Pearson
September 6, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris (Jacob) Huey
September 6, 2006
Nancy, I never personally met Charlie, but heard wonderful stories about him from you, along with read nothing but great things about him from people in the Reading area. I just came back from being away to find out about your family's loss. I send my prayers and deepest sympathy to the entire Wagner family.
Lydia Miller
September 5, 2006
Craig,
I grew up next door to your parents. Your Father was like my Father. I knew him my whole life. When my Mother became ill in 2000 and I had to sell the house I grew up in, I remember crying on your Fathers shoulder telling him how much I was going to miss him and your mother. That was one of the hardest days of my life to say goodbye to such great neighbors. I know Charlie is in heaven with your mother Ellie and my mother martha. We had 40 years of great memories on our block.
Craig, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lydia Miller
Linda L. Englehart
September 5, 2006
Mr. Wagner was a class act. A kinder, more loving gentleman you could't want to meet. I just recently found out that he had given seats to see the Seattle Mariner's to my family when they took a trip to washinton State a number of years ago. He is with his lovely wife now and they will both be watching the World Series together again. My prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Eddie Kasko
September 4, 2006
Dear Nancy & Craig,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Charlie was my first
Cindy Wolfgang
September 4, 2006
Nancy, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe Bucks
September 3, 2006
Craig, I had never met Charlie. But knowing you, I feel I knew him. Please accept my sympathy.
Jean & Harvey Holiday
September 3, 2006
We will always be grateful for the day, Charlie autographed our Ted Williams book. He invited us to see his "baseball" room and regaled in many stories from Ted Williams to Curt Schilling. You were loved by many and be will missed by all.
Colleen McCauley
September 3, 2006
Dearest Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thankful to have met Charlie and will never forget the gentleness in his eyes and the sincerity in his smile. We were at Charlie's last game but did not get to speak with him. His passing was a very sad ending to the Reading Phil's season. God Bless. Colleen (Summer) McCauley
wachovia bank
September 3, 2006
Our days will not be the same. Mr. Wagner was so well known in our office that we would race to him when he came in the door, I will sadly remember his last words to me the last day I had the honor to see him, "There's my girl, how about a hug?". Craig and Nancy, we are so sorry for your lose. Love, The Staff of Wachovia Bank, Hampden Office
Chuck Rose
September 2, 2006
One of the most bitter-sweet feature stories I wrote in 50 years was the one Charlie spun in early 2005---telling me about how he and his "bride" of 66 years cried after watching their Red Sox win the 2004 World Series (the team's first since 1918)...and how grateful he was that she lived just long enough to have that special moment with him. God bless you, Charlie. We'll miss you.
Chuck Rose
Maddie Littlefield
September 2, 2006
My deepest sympathy to you and your husband. My prayers are with you.
Dave Howell
September 2, 2006
I was priviledged to know Charlie during some of the time he would come to Baltimore to scout the Orioles and whomever they were playing. Always a class gentleman and always better dressed than anyone else in the press box. One time I brought a book with his picture in it (Baseball Memories, 1930-39)and asked him to sign it which he did. (He was one of the very few with whom I could do that because he was one of the few still living.) He then asked me to get a copy for him and gave me the money to do that. I was very happy to present him with a copy the very next day. Good-bye, Charlie. You are missed.
Bill Enos
September 2, 2006
Charlie was a great friend. It was a pleasure to have worked with such a wonderful man. He will be missed by all.
Cheryl Kelchner
September 2, 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting Charlie Wagner at the Northeast Dinner when he was honored as an Outstanding Northeaster. I will always remember his class and his friendliness. Reading has lost a true role model! May you find comfort in the memories and love you all shared with him.
Garry Roggenburk
September 2, 2006
My sincere sympathy to the family of a great mentor, teacher, coach, gentleman and friend. Our memories of a caring man is Charlie's gift to all.
Joan Fish
September 2, 2006
Nancy, during our training weeks last year, you always spoke so highly of Charlie. It was apparent that you were very fond of him. With deep regret I put this message in for you. May God bless you and Craig. Charlie's pitching for Him right now!
Bonnie Wyatt
September 1, 2006
To Craig and Nancy: My sincere and heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your father. Although I'd never met him, he seemed to have touched so many with his kindness and was a total gentleman. His light continues to shine through those he touched. I wish for you Love and Courage for now and ever.
Rich Gaines
September 1, 2006
I am a Red Sox fan and I always remember Charlie shouting "play ball" on opening days at Fenway. Opening day 2007 just won't be the same. He'll be watching the Red Sox from heaven now.
Lisa "Jocelyn" Reidnauer
September 1, 2006
Nancy, deepest sympathy to you & your family. God Bless!
susan daniels
September 1, 2006
Nancy my deepest sympathy to you and your husband. My prayers are you.
Janie (Paige) Maciak
September 1, 2006
Dear Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I feel like I knew Charlie from all the great stories that you told. I wish I could have met him...God Bless You and your family and if there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask. Sincerely yours.
Cubs Fan
September 1, 2006
With deepest sympathy to the Mr. Wagners family. He will be miss by many. Will miss seeing him at the Reading Phillies games. GOD BLESS Broadway Charlie Wagne!!
Edward "Victor" Shepherd
September 1, 2006
My deepest sympathy for you loss, Nancy
ELMER H. ZIMMERMAN
September 1, 2006
Rememberence of a great, down to earth man, who was a pro at what ever he did...Charlie you made the Reading Hot Stovers a warm and great place to be every January no matter how cold the weather was.
Edye Sell
September 1, 2006
Mr. Wagner was a dear customer of mine at Hollywood Cleaners...I will always think of him fondly...He always made me smile when he would come in...
Tom Kayser
September 1, 2006
It was an honor to have known Charlie. He was a kind, humble, friend to all that knew him.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
Tom Kayser
Nancy Avila
September 1, 2006
Dear Nancy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It's always difficult to lose someone you love and admire but I hope these condolences come as some comfort to you and your loved ones. Nancy Avila (Lisa/Ciara's Mother)
Lucie and Mike Thompson
September 1, 2006
Our sincerest condolences... your dad was a fine gentleman, loved by everyone and will be missed by all.
Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Mike Dugan
September 1, 2006
Major League Baseball has lost one of its dearest brothers.Rest in peace Charlie.
Dearest Lord bless the Wagner family at this most difficult time.
RuthAnn Dierolf
September 1, 2006
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I know how much he ment to you.He will truely be missed.
Geoffrey Yoder
September 1, 2006
There will never be a finer, more considerate person than Mr Wagner . I was very fortunate to know Charlie and the whole Folk family for many years through my dad and Grandma Yoder. All who met Charlie will feel the loss.
Lisa/Ciara Romito
September 1, 2006
Dearest Nancy, My deepest sympathies are with you and your husband. I never got to meet your father-in-law but I feel I knew him with all of your great stories. I'm here for you in every way. Love always, Ciara.
Suzanne Kutz
September 1, 2006
With deepest sympathy Suzanne Kutz
stephanie
September 1, 2006
nancy my thoughts are with you during this time. charile touched the lives of many. your love for him has shown threw to us all .
Richard Blaha
September 1, 2006
I had the honor to talk to Mr. Wagner for a bit at the Phillies caravan stop in Reading this past winter. He then proudly held out his Red Sox World Series ring for photos. He was a true gentleman and a great ambassador of baseball.
Ralph Leinbach
September 1, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Julian & Joan McCracken
September 1, 2006
Baseball has never known a classier individual...Charlie will be tremendously missed by all...his legacy of kindness will live on forever. It was a unique and distinct pleasure to know such a wonderful man. May Charlie rest in peace.
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