Rich Wagner, 76, of Garrettsville/Ravenna, OH, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. He was born August 4, 1947, to the late Robert Grabel and Polly (Luton) Wagner and adopted by the late Charles Wagner.
He was a 1965 graduate of James A. Garfield High School and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as an Aircraft Powertrain Repairman from 1966-68. Afterward, he spent his career as a master electrician with multiple companies through the IBEW, as well as having his own business. He retired from the union, but continued working for fun, always helping others with their needs. Rich was always active and had a love of the outdoors, including riding his motorcycle, fishing, golfing, and traveling. He also enjoyed bowling and was proud of his 300 game. He frequented Sky Lanes Bowling Alley to meet up with old friends and enjoy breakfast and coffee. Whenever an opportunity arose, he was willing to join in on both motorcycle trips with his biker gang (including his riding buddy, Chubby Chicken) and vacations with his family. Some of his favorite trips included the Outer Banks, Florida’s Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Glacier Park, Canada, and Yellowstone. He loved the beach, sunrises, his morning coffee, listening to music, Dr. Pepper, and there was never a mountain that didn’t leave him in awe.
Rich never met a stranger; he loved striking up conversations with anyone and definitely left a lasting impression with people everywhere he went. Everyone who knew him knows his fun and wacky personality; he always had a smile on his face, a funny comment, or a story to tell. On special occasions or holidays, he was known for making funny “hats” by putting things on his head such as bows, flowers, ribbons, shells, or anything else he could find. Rich also loved challenging family members to work for their gifts by putting them in boxes he made from wood with screws, nails, hinges, and duct tape.
Above everything, Rich loved spending time with his family and his partner in crime, Leon. As he demonstrated to others throughout his life, the way to his heart was kindness. He rarely became angry and always made work and life fun. We should all try to live our lives by showing kindness to everyone as Rich did.
Rich will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Lisa, to whom he was married for over 41 years; children, Tracy (Rick) Learn, Cristine Brunn, Anna Milicia (Pintu Patel), and Chad (Fe) Wagner; grandchildren, Rylee, Emily, Brendan, and Tyler Learn, Elly Yarnell, Cameryn, Addisyn, and Delylah Brunn; brothers, Paul and Charlie Wagner, Dennis (Christine) and John (Robin) Grabel; sisters, Sally (Jack) Streets, Heidi Rockwell, Michele (Anthony) Battaglia, Karen (Stephen) Kunz, Donna (Wayne) Scott, and Kristie (Mike) Doak; sister and brother in law, Kelli and Butch Bisirri, and brother in law Mike Sparr; as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rich wished not to be mourned but to be celebrated. Friends and family are welcome to join us in honoring him at La Pizzaria on his birthday, August 4, 2024, from 1:00 pm -3:00 pm, 3656 Dressler Road NW, Canton, OH. Care for Rich was entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
