Joseph B. Wagner

JOSEPH B. WAGNER, age 97, beloved husband of Marie (Grdina) Oliver Wagner and the late Eileen (nee Craddock); loving father of Martin (wife Evelyn), Amy Rogers (husband Scott), Julie Kreiner (husband Fred), Kathryn Dempsey (husband James), Joseph (wife Merry), and Cornelia Roche (husband Christopher); dearest grandfather of Anna Steinel (husband Dave), Brendan Wagner, Bridget Folk (husband Dustin), Patrick Rogers, Daniel Rogers (wife Leslie), Jason Kreiner (wife Christina), Jack Dempsey, Max, Harrison, Patrick, and Matthew Wagner, and Peter Roche; treasured great-grandfather of Declan, Madeleine, Chase, and Ella; Papa Joe to Kathleen and John Galovic, Michael Oliver, and Therese and Kevin Kumazec and their children and grandchildren; cherished son of the late Joseph and Anna (nee Amersbach); devoted brother of the late John, Connie, Mary, and Barbara; and dear uncle and great uncle of many.

Joseph Wagner was born in Cleveland on June 1, 1925 and passed away April 13, 2023. Following his graduation from Cathedral Latin High School in 1943, he earned a associate’s degree in engineering from Fenn College. He enjoyed a successful career as an electrical engineer, working for an engineering firm. Joseph was a devoted parishioner of St. Jerome Catholic Church where he sang in the choir, served on the decorating committee, and was involved with the church’s Pre-CANA program. While his sons were young, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. He loved listening to classical music, especially choral and sacred pieces. Joseph was a skilled woodworker, gardener, and handy-man. He was deeply devoted to his family and his faith. Those who knew Joseph recall his caring, giving, and friendly nature as well as his sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by everyone who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Joseph to St. Jerome Catholic Church, 15000 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44110 or to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P. O. Box 72101, Cleveland, Ohio 44192. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 11:30 am at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joseph at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91), TUESDAY 4-8 PM.