John Wagner, who died Thursday at the age of 69, spent a large part of his life trying to make things better.
That included stints on both Norton and Barberton city councils, as executive secretary-treasurer of the Tri County Regional Labor Council, and through serving on other boards and commissions in the area. He devoted much of his time to labor and union causes.
“They forget he also coached Little League baseball. He was community-minded,” said Fred Maurer, a friend of Mr. Wagner and also Barberton council president. “He was always interested in doing the right thing.”
While some people think of labor activists as extreme in their views, Mr. Wagner always listened to both sides, Maurer said. “He had the respect of his opponents as well. … He was soft-spoken but very committed. He certainly was not wishy-washy.”
Russ Pry, Summit County executive, said he worked with Mr. Wagner over the years on numerous committees and Democratic Party issues. Mr. Wagner kept an even-keeled temperament and truly wanted to make a positive difference in the community, he said.
“I think people on both sides believed John was one of the good guys,” Pry said. “It wasn’t about getting credit for John, it was about getting things done. He’s going to be missed.”
Mr. Wagner was devoted to labor, recalled Charlie Lemon, president of the United Retirees of America and former head of a Boilermakers local.
“He helped people with their lives. He just went to bat for everybody,” Lemon said. “Labor lost a great advocate, believe me. He was a no-nonsense person. He was a great labor man. A great man, period.”
Wagner grew up in Barberton and was a 1964 graduate of Barberton High School.
He retired from Local 219 Plumbers and Pipefitters, served as secretary-treasurer of the Tri County Regional Labor Council, and volunteered on other boards and commissions in the area.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Ruth; and his parents, Dale and Jean Wagner. He is survived by sons Terry, Scott and their wives; grandchildren Hailey, Madison, Connor, Hannah and Carter; and other relatives and friends.
Calling hours were Monday at Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton.
The funeral is scheduled for this Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Dr. Blake Wagner Sr. officiating, followed by entombment at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
The family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1815 W. Market St., Akron, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Jim Mackinnon can be reached at 330-996-3544 or jmackinnon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him @JimMackinnonABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/JimMackinnonABJ