In Memoriam: Ronnie Wagner, 80

Ronald “Ronnie” Allen Wagner passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2013. 

He was born October 25, 1933 in Bridgeport, CT. Ronnie was in the Army before starting his long career with Sikorsky Aircraft as a technical representative. His contracts with the military took him all over the world. He went to Vietnam as a civilian to support the helicopters and crews in Da Nang and Marble Mountain. The military presented him with the “Golden Slipper” award for his outstanding service during that time. He worked with the HMX-1 Squadrons when Presidents Johnson and Reagan were in office. In 1977 he travelled to Italy, France and Spain with the HM14 and HM16 helicopter squadrons to participate with mine sweeping counter measure exercises with those countries. He supported the helicopter crews that flew the rescue mission for the 52 hostages of the Iranian Crisis. 

Ronnie and Janet loved to travel and drove their motorhome from California to Connecticut on more than one occasion. Ronnie’s love for horses began as a teenager with his first job exercising Tennessee Walkers for a stable in Bethel, Ct. He shared that passion with his daughters, along with his love of classic cars. He played the guitar, bowled and was an artist. He played football for Newtown High School and was a loyal Redskins fan. Ronnie was very outgoing, and made many friends. He was very patriotic and instilled that love and spirit in his daughters. He was cherished by his grandchildren, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

Ronnie is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Janet Regan Wagner; his parents, Alice Arraminda Webb and William Clifford Wagner; and his best friend, Capt. Robert “Mac” McCormick.

He is survived by his brother, William Wagner and wife, Irene of Fredericksburg, VA; his sister, Judith Sheppard of Brookfield, CT; daughters, Lindalee Stroud and husband, Simon of Washington, NC, and Teriann Scarantino and husband, Pasquale of Tampa, FL; his beloved grandchildren, Joseph Marek and wife, Theresa, Danalee Scozzafava and husband, Jason, and Justin Duda and wife, Candy. He was also a great-grandfather to Gwenevere Scozzafava, Fiona Scozzafava and Addison Marek. 

A private family service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Washington Home Health and Hospice, 5012 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. 

Online condolences may be expressed to Ronnie’s family at foundandsons.com. 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ronald Allen Wagner please visit ourSympathy Store.