Wilbert G. “Will” Wagner, 91, of Pittsburgh, formerly of North Riverview Drive, Parker, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 5, 2025, at the home of his daughter.
Wilbert was born in Baldwin Borough, Allegheny County on June 20, 1933. He was the son of the late Wilbert G. and Hilda M. Schnindehette Wagner.
Wilbert attended St. Wendelin School and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He began his working career as a carpenter, later becoming an operating engineer. Will retired as a foreman at Bellefield Boiler Plant following 34 years of service.
Wilbert began living his life to the fullest when he retired to his home on the Allegheny River near Emlenton. Will and the love of his life, Eileen, were long-time, active, and devoted members of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Emlenton. They attended daily mass and worked evenings at church dinners and events. Nothing made his heart soar more than to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoying his home on the river. He and his wife, Eileen, were honored as Emlenton's Citizens of the Year in 2006. Will enjoyed his involvement in the community and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, the Emlenton Rod and Gun Club, and the Knights of Columbus. Will, held the residents of the Emlenton community in the highest regard.
He was the ultimate sportsman and enjoyed and respected the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed, sitting on the porch with his “partner in crime”, Eileen, and watching the river while enjoying a drink of his choice. Will was a “jack of all trades”, and was known to be able to make an accurate diagnosis of anything that was broken. His signature trademark was his ability to tell stories of his lifetime adventures. These stories will be most fondly remembered by his great-grandchildren who hung on his every word. Will lived out his final days peacefully at his daughter's home in Pittsburgh. The family is grateful for the care of UPMC hospice nurses and caretakers. He was blessed to have daily visits and care from his long-time friend and neighbor, Martha Maksymowych.
Will is survived by two daughters, Joan Kelly and her husband, Chuck, of Pittsburgh, and Collen Bahr and her husband, James, of Smithton; four grandchildren, Katie (Kelly) O’Keefe and her husband, Bernie, Chuck Kelly and his wife, Justina, James Bahr, Sr. and Jacquie Springer and her husband, Michael; 12 great-grandchildren, Kelly, Elly, “Bubba”, and Joey O’Keefe, Chuck and Peter Kelly, Lili, Audrey, Noah, and Lucas Bahr, and April and Sarah Springer; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Milcic of Pittsburgh, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Will was preceded in death by his wife, M. Eileen McClay Wagner, whom he married in Brookline on December 19, 1955. Mrs. Wagner passed away on July 7, 2023. He was additionally preceded in death by a brother-in-law, John Milcic.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Avenue, Emlenton from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, Friday, February 7, 2025. A funeral Mass will follow from St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 807 Chestnut Street, Emlenton at 2:00 pm with the Reverend David Foradori, church pastor, officiating; assisted by Deacon Nick Cirell. The Knights of Columbus from St. Michael Church will pray the rosary with the family at 10:30 am Friday at the funeral home. The V.E.T.S Honor Guard of Franklin will accord military honors at 1:15 pm Friday at the funeral home. The interment will be in St. Michael Church Cemetery, Emlenton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Emlenton Fire Department, PO Box 371, Emlenton PA 16373, or to the Emlenton Area Ambulance Service, PO Box 346, Emlenton, PA 16373.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.HileFH.com