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Robert Wagner Obituary
Father Wagner maintained a family home in Groton, where he spent much of his free time and vacations.
Born July 3, 1933, in Holyoke, to Lawrence and Mary (Sullivan) Wagner.
Fr. Wagner is survived by a brother, William Wagner and his wife, Barbara, of Fort Myers, Fla., as well as a nephew, Mark Wagner from Manchester, and a niece, Susan McCardle from Falmouth, Maine. He leaves several grandnieces and grandnephews and many cousins, among them Dr. Thomas Cleary and Father Charles Gonet. He also leaves his dear friend and colleague in ministry for 37 years, Sr. Joan Magnani, whom he had the pleasure of seeing succeed him at Jericho as executive director.
Fr. Wagner's wake will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Celebration Center, 537 Northampton Street, Holyoke. A vigil prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. that evening also at the Celebration Center. The Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated by Bishop McDonnell, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Jerome's Church, Hampden St., Holyoke, with burial to follow at St. Jerome's Cemetery.
Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, Holyoke, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial gifts in Fr. Wagner's memory may be made to Jericho, PO Box 1039, Holyoke, MA 01041.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wagner
Jennifer Carslon
December 9, 2005
My deepest sympothies to all of Fr. Wagner's family friends. We will all miss his loving guidence and his dedication to those he served.
Sister Carol Woods, sfma
December 6, 2005
My condolences and prayers are with the family members, friends and co-workers, all, of +Father Wagner. May his life and love continue to inspire all to include and care.
May he rest in our Lord's peace.
With a prayer from Assisi, Sr. Carol
Mary Gibbons-Stevens
December 6, 2005
Our deepest sympathy go the family and friends of Father Wagner, and to all the Jericho community. He was an extraordinary man who touched our famiy in ways he never knew. Saturday evening Mass at Jericho has become a tradition for us whenever we return to Holyoke to visit our family. My children look forward to going to Mass and seeing Father Wagner. He has been a gift to so many people, including us. He will be sadly missed by this family in Maine.
Barbara Riedinger
December 5, 2005
As a non Catholic, I've had the pleasure of attending many Jericho services with a friend and have truly admired Fr Wagner and his special ministry to children and his handicap parishioners. He will be missed.
Janet Driscoll
December 5, 2005
What a wonderful Christmas present
the good Lord has given to Father
Bob! Although we here on earth will
mourn his passing, and miss his ever
present great sense of humor, we
know that he has been restored to
perfect health and will be forever
at peace.
My sympathy goes out to his family,
Sister Joan and all who labored
with him to bring exceptional
children and adults into the forefront of our community.
Rest in piece, Father,you have
certainly earned your eternal
reward.
Sisters of St. Joseph
December 5, 2005
Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Fr. Wagner. He was truly a gentle man of God and served all without distinction. May the witness of his life, his ministry, his faith live on in all who had the forune of knowing him. Even though we are unable to be with you for his wake or funeral please be assured of our support and prayer during this time.
Walter Barker
December 4, 2005
We are so sorry to hear of his death. We are good friends of his brother William
Bill & Nancy Gehring
December 4, 2005
We are most thankful to the Lord for Fr. Wagner's life and ministry and are deeply saddened to learn of his death. He was a wonderful friend and inspiring spiritual leader. Our sympathy goes out to Sr. Joan and all involved with Jericho. I'm sure there is much rejoicing in Heaven as he meets with our Mary and all who went before him.
Geraldine Hinz
December 4, 2005
It is with a heavy heart I sign this guestbook. The news of Father Wagner's death has made us very sad here in Granby. I've known Father Wagner for over 27 years. He gave so much of his love and spiritual guidance to so many developementally delayed people and their families. I feel my family was one of the chosen many to have experienced his great gift of love. I have a gentleman in my home in foster care from Belchertown State School. Been here for 23 years. I also had another who recently passed on who was here for 25 years. My brother is mentally challenged and lives with my mother and another gentleman from the state school. He's been there for 27 years. Add my dear husband to this list and you've got my family. Fr Wagner embraced us into his life and in doing so made our lives that much more. We loved Fr Wagner. The memories of so many of his events will be cherished and never forgotten. Things like square dancing, picnics, horseback riding, etc...(There is such a long list). He gave us such happiness, guidance and joy. Through the years he made us feel loved and accepted. He was always welcomed as was Sister Martha Day into our homes for visits. I pray that Fr Wagner's life-long achievements at the Jericho will continue to grow and flourish in the future. He will be dearly missed.
Mary Trant
December 3, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of a wonderful servant of God. I had the pleasure of working for a short time under Fr.Wagner as a volunteer with the mentally disabled. God rest his soul.
Barbara Hanson
December 3, 2005
While visiting a friend in HOlyoke several years ago, she suggested that we attend Sunday mass at Jericho, a favorite place of hers. I was totally impressed and inspired by Father Wagner and his connection with the handicapped people at the mass.
After that visit, Jericho became a favorite charity of mine and I have returned to attend mass there a few times a year. If only there were more Father Wagners in this world.He will be missed and I hope a replacement can continue his marvelous work.
Michael Mullane
December 3, 2005
How saddened I was to hear that Fr. Wagner had passed away. He was such a kind man and wonderful spiritual leader, and a pioneer in his ministry to the disabled. He will be very much missed, but very fondly remembered.
REID LOUDON
December 3, 2005
FATHER WAGNER WAS AN OLD FRIEND FOR OVER 60 YEARS AND MY ROOMATE IN COLLEGE. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF PLAYING THE ORGAN FOR A FEW OF HIS SERVICES AT JERICHO AND WILL NEVER FORGET HIS KINDNESS AND FRIENDSHIP.HE WILL BE MISSED.
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