Obituary of Walter E. Wagner

Walter E. Wagner, 80, of Belfast, passed away at home October  4 surrounded by his family.

Born November 11 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Alphonzo Thomas Wagner Jr. and Geneva (Walker) Wagner.

Walt, as his friends often referred to him, attended school in Belfast, Louisiana, the Philippians and Japan while his father served in the U.S. Air Force, graduating from South Hadley High School in 1962.

He was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard of Massachusetts, where he served as a cook in the 2-104th Infantry. He earned a merit for qualifying as an Expert Rifleman, serving six years before being honorably discharged in 1970.

Walter was a well known character in Western Massachusetts, having worked as a chef at the former Abdow’s “Big Boy” Restaurant in Chicopee for several years. He later moved to Belfast and built an A-frame style home and large barn to raise his growing family.

He was the proprietor of Goose River Grocery for 20 years, serving up good meals and lively conversations while selling bait fish and general goods for customers.  A member of the town’s Planning Board for several years,  he was a familiar face in Belfast, often offering a helping hand logging, building houses, visiting sick friends and even providing venison meat for a needy family or two.

In 1995, at the age of 52, Walter took up lobster boat fishing on his craft the Tara G, selling to visitors, neighbors and the Weathervane and Nautilus Restaurants. He kept a refrigerated, salt water shanty on his property during these years and retired from fishing at the age of 70.

A first generation farmer, he raised primarily beef, lamb and pork while also selling the eggs, hay and wood he harvested. He was an avid gardener and beekeeper and his elderberry and dandelion wine were shared with many. Walt loved to play basketball and softball in addition to riding his Harley Davidson down the picturesque roads of Maine. He was a formidable cribbage player and loved telling stories of  ice fishing on Swan Lake and his numerous hunting adventures. He took great pride in canning jams, pickles, relish and the other items he grew.

Walter is survived by his brother, Alphonzo “Tom” Thomas Wagner III and his wife Alice of Waldo; his children, Kellie Wagner and fiancé John Bourgoin of Somers, Connecticut; Dan Wagner of Allagash; Tara Wagner of Hope and Brian Wagner and his wife Jessica of Lisbon.  He has several surviving grandchildren: Brendan, Owen, Kailin, Mason, Wesley and Eva as well as a nephew Walter Wagner and his wife Amanda of Waldo and two nephews and one niece also of Waldo.

He also leaves his former wife of many years Paula Riley and her husband Tim Riley of Belmont.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Stonecrest,  968 Waterville Road in Waldo.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. James Delehanty for his longtime friendship and care to Walter; the team at Gentiva Hospice including Vanessa, Rev. David, Christine, Stacey, Shannon and Lisa for their care; Flic from Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County and the people who came to visit him during his final days.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com