Bernard H. Wagner

Bernard H. Wagner

Bernard H. Wagner

DUNNSVILLE — Bernard H. Wagner, who had worked as a dairy farmer and highway foreman, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 19, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82.

Born in Rotterdam, New York on March 20, 1936, he was the son of Elwood and Marjorie (née Mann) Wagner. He attended one of last one-room schoolhouses in the Guilderland district for elementary school — the bell of which is now located in front of Guilderland Town Hall — and attended Draper High School.

For years, he helped run the family dairy farm in Dunnsville, New York. He later worked for Texaco Gas Co. and the Guilderland Highway Department, retiring as highway foreman after 30 years.

He and his wife liked spending time with family and friends. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, woodworking, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a dedicated member of the National Rifle Association and enjoyed being outdoors.

“He will always be remembered for his hard work and quick sense of humor,” his family wrote in a tribute. “No one could pass by Bernie without him giving a wave and a smile.”

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Bernard H. Wagner is survived by his wife, Betty (née VanWormer) Wagner, whom he married on Dec. 24, 1955; by his children, Cynthia Jones and her husband, Michael, and Floyd Wagner and his wife, Joyce; by his brother Merlin Wagner and his wife, Joanne, and his daughter-in-law, Lynn Wagner; by his grandchildren, Melissa, Michael, Kyle, Hannah, and Giordano; and by his great-grandchildren, Greyson, Rylan, Kylie, and Lillian.

His parents, Elwood and Marjorie (née Mann) Wagner, died before him, as did his son Christopher Wagner and his brother Alton Wagner.

His family thanks all the nurses and staff at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center and Community Hospice for their loving dedication and support. Also a special thanks to Reverend Timothy VanHeest for his prayers and presence during this difficult time.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home at 5216 Western Turnpike in Guilderland. Funeral services will begin at noon. Burial will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park in Rotterdam. Mourners may leave condolences at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox Reformed Church, 2175 Berne-Altamont Rd., Altamont, NY. 12009, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.

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