Earl John Wagner

Earl J. Wagner, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home of over 47 years in Tampa, Florida, on February 20, 2024. Earl was born to Earl Frank Wagner and Rose Bertges Wagner on November 14, 1940, in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School and attended Gannon University. He earned a B.S. in Accounting from American International College in Massachusetts, while serving in the U.S. Air Force maintaining B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. He practiced for many years as a C.P.A., first in public accounting with Arthur Andersen and later with businesses in Ohio and Florida. Earl was a lifelong Catholic, and volunteered with the Knights of Columbus.

Earl and Marilyn C. Wagner (née Schreiner) married in 1966 and built their lives together for almost 60 years. He was devoted to his family, working hard to provide for them. He gave his children every opportunity. He was nostalgic, treasuring stories and possessions of his ancestors. Earl and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, especially to places with historical significance. He took great pride in meticulously maintaining his home and landscaping, even when he suffered from pulmonary fibrosis in his last years of life.

Earl is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter Catherine R. Wagner, son Earl “John” Wagner, II, and daughter-in-law Retta Wagner, as well as three grandchildren, Cailyn Wagner, Roselynn Wagner, and Rosemary Wagner. His parents, Earl and Rose, and three of his grandchildren, Jack Wagner, Hannah Wagner, and Rhaya Wagner, predeceased him.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Earl at 2:00 PM on March 14, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, Florida. Earl will be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery in a private ceremony on a later date.

Our family thanks the Lifepath Hospice Pink Team and the Veterans Home Based Primary Care for their excellent care for Earl. We also thank many wonderful friends for their loving support.

Earl believed strongly in Catholic education. Instead of flowers , our family suggests remembering Earl with donations to Cathedral Preparatory School, 250 W. 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501 or to Jesuit High School, 4701 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614.