Allen R. Wagner, 80, of North Versailles, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a brief and sudden illness.
Born on December 19, 1945, in Homestead, PA, he was the son of the late Allen M. Wagner and Mary Lois Wagner (née Howell).
Allen was the beloved husband of 40 years to Suzanne Wagner (née Kutch). He was a devoted and cherished father to Scott (Robyn) Allen, Kate (Gary) Gould, and Kristin (Jason) Wagner. He took great pride in his family and found immense joy in his grandchildren, Max and Morgan Gould. He also had a special place in his heart for his two beloved lap dogs, Lucy and Lexi, who brought him daily companionship and comfort.
He was the brother-in-law of James (the late Linda) Kutch, Linda (Wayne) Boyle, Joann (David) Puz, and Joe (Leah) Kutch, and a cherished uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Allen was a proud graduate of Youngstown State University, where he worked his way through college as a paramedic for American Ambulance while earning a degree in Education. Immediately following his graduation in 1969, he began what would become a long and impactful career in the East Allegheny School District. Starting as a physical education teacher, he later became a guidance counselor, a role he faithfully served in until his retirement in 2006. He had a true passion for teaching and mentorship, even sharing his knowledge as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
In addition to his work in education, Allen was deeply committed to public service. He served on the North Versailles Zoning Board for over 50 years, including as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Following his retirement, he became even more actively involved in his community, serving in several important roles including code enforcement officer, township commissioner, and most recently as Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority for the Sanitary Authority. He dedicated countless hours to improving and advocating for his beloved North Versailles. He was also an active member of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee for many years.
Allen’s professional interests extended beyond education and public service. Alongside a college friend, he co-founded Professional Aquatics Consultants International (PACI), an organization that evaluated the safety of public pools across the country. This work provided him opportunities to serve as an expert witness in legal cases. His lifelong love of water was evident in all he did—from his time as a lifeguard to serving as waterfront director at Camp Soles in Rockwood, PA. He often joked that his passion came from being an “old lifeguard,” a title he wore with pride.
Though his accomplishments were many, Allen’s greatest legacy is the love he had for his family and his unwavering dedication to his community. He will be remembered as a hardworking, compassionate, and deeply devoted man who touched the lives of many.
His family is incredibly proud of all he achieved and will forever cherish his memory.
Arrangements
Immediate service is private, no visitation will be held.
James F. Kutch Funeral Homes & Crematory
433 Lincoln Highway
East McKeesport, PA, 15035
412-823-4054
Please leave condolences below.
23 Comments
I just saw this and am extremely sorry for the loss of this great man. Admired him from my days at East Allegheny and afterwards. May he Rest in peace.
So sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Wagner, one of my favorite teachers in school.
I am so sorry to hear of Allen’s passing. He will be greatly missed. A wonderful person.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m the Wagner’s mail carrier. I always had many nice conversations with Allen. I’m definitely going to miss those.
Suzanne, sending love and deepest sympathy, what a beautiful life he had with you the love of his life and his children , my heart is sadden to hear this news of my very good friend I always loved asking for his expert opinion in code enforcement , his wisdom was way beyond , i will never forget your kindness and your friendship, Rest Peacefully my friend I will miss you always!, Nina & Carmen Vecchio
I’m shocked hearing the News. Mr Wagner was always kind and soft spoken when I was in school and after seeing him around the city. May he Rest in Peace
Kate and family- I was so sorry to hear of this loss. He was one of the good ones. He taught me my lifeguard training and he always wanted to see his students succeed. May he rest in peace.
My sympathy to the Wagner family during this difficult time. This community will truly miss him. May you find comfort in each other during this time of sorrow.
Sue and Family…
So sorry to hear about the passing of a wonderful man. From being his student helper of the gym department at EA to babysitting his children for many years, I have found memories of him! May you rest in peace Allen.
We are so sorry to hear of Allen’s passing. So shocking. May he rest in peace in Gods loving arms. Kathleen and Bill
Allen was truly dedicated to NV we worked together 25 years. and he was truly a good friend I will miss him. Rest In Peace wags.
I got to know Allen just recently because of my service on the NVT Zoning Board of Adjustments and an appearance on his radio show. He was a very kind, professional and caring man who immediately made you feel like an old friend. He served our community in many capacities and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Allen.
Mr. Wagner was my teacher, mentor and neighbor. He was a caring and dedicated person who will surly be missed. May he rest in peace in God’s arms.
So sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbor and a dedicated individual. I’m proud to have called him a brother. Farwell by brother you have gone to meet your maker and may he approve you….
A kind and good man moved on to the next life, leaving behind a wake of love and joy that will live with the ones he touched forever. Love and luck
Al was a wonderful man. He shared his love of aquatics and helped me find my way to IUP to begin my career. More recently he used his radio platform to share information about my work to recruit caring adult mentors. I was his ‘secretary’ at EA and perfectly replicated his signature on hall passes😁.He positively impacted the lives of so many and I am so grateful. God Bless you Mr. Wagner
It was a honor to sit beside Allen on the Sanitary Board and even greater pleasure in knowing him as a man who never wavered in his Faith.
Dr. Wagner was an exceptional man of God, and he often spoke of his family and his dogs. He was an active Board Member of CADAprograms, and he was very astute about the community. One of his greatest joys, was assisting others. His legacy will always be a part of N. Versailles.
I used to have conversations with Al when I worked at the Giant Eagle in N. Versailles. I was amazed at his in-depth knowledge of economic development. Wish they would rename that shopping center Wagner Plaza. Later dude!
Sue, We are very sad to hear of Allen’s passing. We hope you will find peace in the memories of the good times that you shared.
I’m so sorry to hear of Allen’s passing. I do cherish the time we spent together as children in Pennsylvania. I’m so glad to have reconnected with Allen and his wife Suzanne when my Grandson Celyn and I stayed with them for a brief visit. I can just imagine what a joyous reunion he is having with all the loved ones that passed before him. You will be forever in my heart.
To the family and friends who loved my brother, I send my most sincere sympathy and prayers for comfort. I cherish the happy memories from our youth and growing up together. May he rest in peace.
We are so sad to hear this! Al was a wonderful neighbor and advocate for North Versailles He will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
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