Burton W. Wagner

Burton W. Wagner, 82, a longtime resident of Westerly, died suddenly on Jan. 3, 2007, at The Westerly Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy "Pinky" Wagner for 52 years until her death in 2003.
Mr. Wagner is survived by his son, David B. and daughter-in-law, Beth H. Wagner of Ashaway; a brother, Charles H. Turney of Southbury, Conn.; a sister-in-law, Hilda A. Bernier of Naples, Fla.; one nephew; and two nieces.
Mr. Wagner was born in Stamford, Conn., son the late Luella (Knapp) Wagner. A graduate of Stonington High School, class of 1942, he also attended the University of Rhode Island.
He spent approximately 30 years working for the Prudential Insurance Company. After serving many years as the sales manager of the Westerly office, he was promoted to district sales manager in Bridgeport, Conn., back in 1975.
Prior to his marriage in 1951, Mr. Wagner was employed as a professional baseball umpire for a number of years. After graduating from the George Barr Umpiring School in Oklahoma, he worked in both the Sooner State and Florida State Leagues.
He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, a former member of both the Seaside as well as the Watch Hill Beach clubs and a longtime member of the Westerly Yacht Club. He also was a former member of the Westerly Rotary Club.
His two biggest passions were golf and playing bridge. He spent many summers working at Pequot and later Elmridge Country clubs. He also taught a number of bridge classes at the Westerly Senior Center and won several tournaments over the years.
Calling hours will be held Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A 1:30 p.m. memorial service at the funeral home will be given by Pastor Benjamin Maton of the Trinity Lutheran Church immediately preceding the calling hours.
Funeral service and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.