Obituary of Wayne Elwell Wagner

Wayne Elwell Wagner, age 81, community leader and entrepreneur, passed away on February 11, 2020 at home surrounded by family members in Glenville, NY. He had been ill the last few months after a fall at home. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda A. Wagner and leaves his devoted daughters: Belinda A. Wagner, Wendy Wagner Robeson (Ed), Nancy Schaffer (David), Patricia Zych (Robert) and Susan Zobre (Dwight). He also leaves his grandchildren: Nathaniel and Juliana Robeson, Bryan and Cynthia Zych, Helena and Lily Schaffer, Rebecca Zobre Northrup (Brian) and Michael Zobre as well as great grandson, Zachary Northrup. Born on Columbus Day, October 12, 1938, in Brockport, NY he was the son of the late Edythe and Anthony Wagner. After attending the campus school, Wayne matriculated at Manlius School where he was active in the corps of cadets and achieved the highest rank. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1960 from the Wharton School as a distinguished military graduate and commander of the Corps. He began active duty in the US Army and attained the rank of Captain in the US Army Reserves and served until 1971. He took graduate courses in African studies at NYU. First working for the Marine Midland Bank in Buffalo, he began at the Schenectady Trust Company in 1967 and attained the position of Vice President. He left the bank in 1974 to run for US Congress. Soon after he joined the Galesi Group as President. While there, he helped rebuild Manchester, VT and the renowned Equinox Hotel. In 1985 he turned his attention to his own businesses, including 21st Century Park, Belwen, Napasu, Advisor Corp., Indian Meadows, Wireless Cable and Super Liquor. He was town supervisor of Glenville from 1993-1999 and he left his mark throughout the town. Wayne was always devoted to his community. He was president of the US Jaycees and the National Curling Association, a 32 degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite, Rotary, the Cyprus Patrol of the Shriners, American Legion, Guan-Ho-Ha Club and the Scotia United Methodist Church. He taught graduate classes at the University of Buffalo, Millard Fillmore College and the American Institute of Banking. He was a university council member of the University of Albany and SCCC’s Continuing Education Advisory Council and a board member of various organizations. He loved to travel throughout Europe and enjoyed his homes in Manchester, Vermont, Cocoa Beach, Florida and Key Largo in the Florida Keys. The family would like to thank Jill, Brook, Vanessa, Stephanie and Lupi for their loving care of Wayne over the last 6 months. Viewing hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home on Sunday, February 16 from 4-7 PM and the funeral will take place at 11 AM on Monday, February 17 at the Scotia United Methodist Church. Any donations may be made in Wayne’s name to the Scotia United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com