Obituary of Richard Michael Wagner

Richard Michael Wagner, 77, passed away on January 11, 2024.

Dick was born September 5, 1946, to George and Patricia Wagner, attended Whitesboro High School, and was a proud member of the Class of ‘64.

Enlisting in the US Marine Corps after graduating he proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1965-66. Dick was awarded several medals for bravery as well as a Purple Heart.  A true hero, he survived 2 bouts with malaria; stepping in a bear trap and being hit with shrapnel.  

Upon returning home, Dick married (former) Jacquelyn Ann Caswell on June 29, 1968. Together they had two sons: Brett and Scott, and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage before Jacques passing in January 2022. A true testament to their faith in God and commitment to love each other for better or worse.

Throughout his life Dick worked at several places to include; Keller Furniture of Oneida, Agripole in Clayville, Spring Run Campground in Arkport, Associates Finance, Kelsey Hayes, St. Lukes Memorial Hospital and Utica Property Restoration.  He also was self-employed for many years as a building contractor. Dick was a Life Member of the Clarks Mills American Legion Post 26 as well as a Life Member of the Malsan Jones VFW Post 7393 in New York Mills. Notable about Dick was his servant’s heart and generosity; he would give you the shirt off his back, and he volunteered with numerous organizations. Such as serving in multiple roles with the American Legion and was recently honored along with Jacque for his role in supporting her as she served with CareNet. They were members of Plymouth Alliance Church in Oneida and loved being part of the Body of Christ there.

Dick is survived by his mother, Patricia Wagner;  his sons, Brett (married to Tina) and Scott (married to Kristin) both residing in North Carolina.  He was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Anastasia, Alexandra (married to Cody), Andrew (married to Meredith), Alivia, Victoria (married to Nathan) and Joshua (married to Anna); 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Edick; and brother George Wagner.. The family was blessed to have Dick in NC for Christmas and New Years where ALL the family was able to be present.  God is good and Dick, nicknamed ‘Tank’ by his grandsons, passed away peacefully in Raleigh, NC after suffering a heart attack. He was surrounded by his sons and their wives as he went to be with Jesus, and see Jacque again.

Services will be held Saturday, January 20^th at Plymouth Alliance Church, 169 Kinsley St., Sherrill, with calling hours from 10:30 -12:00, followed immediately by a memorial service and reception. Arrangements are being handled by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service in Clinton, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to his place of worship, Plymouth Alliance Church or Willow Network (formerly known CareNet Pregnancy Center of CNY).   Interment will take place at Westmoreland Union Cemetery.