MYSTIC- Gilbert C. Wagner, 85, of 56 Washington Street, Mystic, died Friday, November 15 at home. He was born May 6, 1917 in Roselle, NJ, the son of Gilbert Charles and Susie Clark Wagner. He was the beloved husband of 60 years of Antoinette “Toni” Vaughn Wagner.
Mr. Wagner received Bachelor of Arts & Science degrees from Columbia University in 1941. During World War II he worked for Dupont Chemicals as an engineer in Bell, West Virginia. In October of 1946, he began a 32-year career with Pfizer beginning in Brooklyn, NY. In 1963, he was assigned to the Groton plant to serve as department manager and production manager of citric and environmental departments, relocating from Leonia, NJ to Gales Ferry, CT where 7 of their 9 children attended Ledyard Schools. At the time of his retirement in 1982, Mr. Wagner was the Assistant Plant Manager, responsible for environmental compliance and control. Mr. Wagner worked with federal, state and local officials to guide Pfizer through the environmental regulations under the Clean Water Act and he received the Certificate of Merit from the US Environmental Protection Agency for his tireless efforts. Mr. Wagner also served as the industrial representative on the New England River Basins Commission. A dedicated employee of the Pfizer corporation, his work ethic epitomized commitment to the company and the natural environment.
Gil Wagner’s contributions to his community were numerous. He volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America serving in a variety of leadership roles for over 30 years. He was devoted to the church, serving as an active committee member and lay minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry and Saint Patrick Church in Mystic. He and his wife chaired the annual Parish Festival at Our Lady of Lourdes for over ten years. Mr. Wagner was an active member and officer of the Thames Club in New London and organized the annual lamb barbecue. His passions were his wife and family; he loved to garden, fish and cook.
He will be remembered for what he and his wife Toni, gave to those he leaves behind: nine children; Carol & Ed Daniels of Fort Pierce, FL, Dr. Charles G. & Patt Wagner of Milford, DE, John & Marge Wagner of Prairie Village, KS, Timothy & Barbara Wagner of Glastonbury, CT, Peter & Pat Wagner of Oakdale, CT, Mary Wagner of Groton, CT, Thomas & Miriam Furey Wagner of Quaker Hill, CT, Dr. Ann Marie Mires of West Glouster, MA, and Dr. Michael & Tracy Wagner of Pembroke, MA. He is also survived by two sisters Miriam Morgan of Gastonia, NC and Alice Ann Willis of Morris Plains, NJ. He was most proud of his 23 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm on Monday, November 18 at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic Downtown Mystic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday, November 19 at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main Street, Mystic. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions may be made in his name to St. Patrick Church, PO Box 236, Mystic CT 06355.