Jon J. Wagner Obituary

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Jon J. Wagner

LAGRANGE - - Jon J. Wagner, a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday July 3rd, 2012. He was 57.

Jon was the son of Walter and Dorothy Wagner, and was born on February 6th, 1955 in Poughkeepsie, NY. On May 13th, 1978 he married his wife, Melissa King at Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie. She survives him at home.

Jon graduated from Poughkeepsie High School and Dutchess Community College. He then worked as an Emergency Medical Technician in Poughkeepsie, and then as a Paramedic /Supervisor for seven years.

In 1981 Jon became a Police Officer in the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department. In 1986 he was promoted to the rank of Detective. While serving as a police officer, Jon worked with municipal officials to write and administer grants to improve town safety. He also served as a Police Instructor, Firearms Instructor and Hostage Negotiator. He retired from the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department as a Detective in January 2003, after 22 years of service.

Jon was elected to the LaGrange Republican Committee in the early 1990's. He was later then appointed to the LaGrange Zoning Board of Appeals, where he served multiple terms. He was appointed to the LaGrange Town Board as Councilman in July 2003 and was elected to a full term as Councilman in November 2003. In 2005 Jon was elected as LaGrange Town Supervisor; a position he held until his death.

Jon was involved in many community organizations, such as, Chairman of the Dutchess County Supervisors and Mayors Association, President of Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc., Pattern for Progress Inter-Governmental Committee, Poughkeepsie Dutchess County Transportation Council, Dutchess County Airport Advisory Board, Pirate Canoe Club, LaGrange Noon Rotary, Dutchess County Salvation Army Advisory Board, Hudson Valley Sportsman Association, National Rifle Association, past vestry member and Warden of St. Paul's Episcopal Church Pleasant Valley, and a member of the Steuben Society of America Unit #167.

Jon was also the 2012 recipient of the LaGrange Republican Committee's Symbol of Freedom Award; an award that he was proud to receive as it represented the values that he strived to live by.

Jon also enjoyed camping and fishing with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa of LaGrange, his son Matthew of LaGrange; his daughter and son-in-law, Erin Sommerville and Daniel Sommerville of Millbrook; his Brother and Sister-in-Law, Erik Wagner and Jeanne Wagner of Poughkeepsie; his sisters-in-law and their husbands, Karen and Stan Majak, and Virginia and Alex Leslie. Jon is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Brian and Annette Wager, Elizabeth and Adam Pelish, Jeannine Pittman, Kristine Davis, Peter and Traci Meyer, Jeffery and Julie Majak, Christopher and Stephanie Majak, Melissa and Scott Birnie, Samantha and Aaron Akins, Alexis and Robert Belmonte, Michelle and John Fullem, and Stephanie Wagner.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Dorothy Wagner; his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce Wagner and Valeda Wagner, and his brother-in-law John King.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday July 10th 2012, from 3PM to 7PM at Wm. G. Miller and Son Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue Poughkeepsie NY 12603.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday July 11th, 2012 at 10AM at Christ Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie NY, with Burial to follow at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery Pleasant Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc. 37 Old Degarmo Road Poughkeepsie NY 12603, St. Paul's Episcopal Church 808 Traver Road Pleasant Valley NY 12569, and Town of LaGrange Recreation Department (memo-Jon Wagner Memorial Fund) 120 Stringham Road LaGrangeville NY 12540. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com