William T. ‘Bill’ Wagner – Lakeland, Fla., Formerly of Monessen
William T. “Bill” Wagner, 94, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Bill was born in Monessen on March 15, 1926. He is survived by the love of his life, Dolores “Dee,” after 73 years of marriage. He leaves to cherish his memories, his son, Bill “Bernie” Wagner and his daughter, Becki (Phil) Riley, both of Lakeland, Fla.; four grandchildren, Beth Clark of Virginia, Josh (Leilani) Riley, Amy (Russ) Rack and Emilee (Lance) Niekro, all of Lakeland, Fla. He also had 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Bill was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving at the Admiralty Islands. He was a draftsman by trade and taught architectural drafting for Pittsburgh City Schools. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Upon retirement, Bill and Dee moved to Highland Fairways in Lakeland, Fla. Bill was an avid barbershop singer and a member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America Inc. for 50 years. His quartet performed throughout the community and at Disney World. He was instrumental in starting the man-to-man prostate support group at Watson Clinic and the Apple Computer Club in Lakeland, Fla. He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lakeland, Fla. Interment will be held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. A memorial service with military honors at Florida National Cemetery will be announced in the future. Services have been entrusted to GENTRY-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, FL 33810. 0nline condolences at www.gentry-morrison.com.
