Roy Kenneth Wagner, Jr.
August 17, 1952 - Aug 28, 2022
Roy K. Wagner, Jr., more widely known as Ken, Kenneth or Kenny, decided to surprise us all by making his way to the big party in the sky on August 28, 2022. The eldest son born to Martina E. Rogers Wagner Bennett (deceased) and Roy K. Wagner, Sr.(deceased) on a hot summer day in 1952 at Submarine Base New London, Connecticut.
After a three year run as an only child, Ken welcomed younger brother, Bradford H. Wagner to the fold. The two Wagner boys spent their youth in Ledyard, Connecticut roaming the hills of Algen Heights and warming the pews of the Ledyard Gales Ferry Baptist church (a church that their parents helped found). Never far from their southern roots, summers meant long, window-down car rides along meandering state roads to the family farm in middle Tennessee where Ken reportedly always proved that he was NOT a country boy at heart.
Heart, above all else, was what Ken had in abundance. He carried it on his sleeve and shared it always. With friends, family and lots of ex-wives. We think the one thing everyone would agree on is that he loved and lived generously. Known for his kind soul, quick humor, and a penchant for all things New England sports, Ken had a charisma and charm that offset a salty stubborn streak the likes of which will not be seen again.
His boyish charm, bright blue eyes and contagious chuckle could woo the socks off the most unlikely suspects (and we think that all of his caretakers would grudgingly attest to this). The most loveable curmudgeon (even as he drove you bonkers), his children, John E. Wagner (deceased), Keleigh F. Wagner and Alexander J. Wagner are ever grateful to have had him show them what the epitome of tenacious determination looks like. And for their familial love of Rocky Balboa. His grandchildren, Anna Baretincic and Jackson Baretincic will also appreciate the grit and heart that they have in their DNA because of him.
A 1970 graduate of Ledyard High School, and 1974 graduate of Thomas Edison College, Ken was also a Vietnam Veteran, receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force in 1978. A winding career path led him from the USAF to Electric Boat, and years of dealing high stakes games at Foxwoods, a job he loved and made many a friend at.
In addition to those mentioned above, Ken is also survived by his daughter in-law Rachelle Wagner, stepfather, Charles Bennet, a host of loving family in Tennessee, and the best surprise that lives in North Carolina.
Proving that he was in fact mortal, and his seemingly endless supply of lives could in fact, run out - we hope that he is resting easy, getting all of the good hugs, raising a cold one and casting off the chains that encumbered him here on earth. The son of a sailor, a mama’s boy, lover of good music, scratchy vinyl, women, shenanigans, merrymaking and his family; he mattered and was dearly loved. Ken will be missed deeply by those who were lucky enough to be loved by him. Until next time, cheers and we will be loving you for always. Go Pats!
The family cordially invites you to a graveside service on Friday, Sep 16, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Avery Stoddard Cemetery in Ledyard, Connecticut. Reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Ken’s name to Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) or, send a Walmart gift card to someone in need at Forward Health. Both organizations are doing important community and personal work with those affected by mental health disorders and addictions. Most of all, Ken’s loved ones would ask that you look kindly on those that struggle more than yourselves. People walking in the shadows of addiction need light and grace, not judgment. Grace isn’t always easy to give, but it is always appreciated.
Love you for always, Dad. I'm glad you were mine.