Charles R. Wagner

Charles "Charlie" Reuben Wagner, 88, of Nazareth, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Moravian Hall Square. Born December 1, 1933, he was the son of the late Floyd Wagner and the late Grace Lazarus Wagner. He was the loving and devoted husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" Frantz Wagner who passed away in January 2021.

Charles grew up in Stockertown and was a graduate of Nazareth High School, where he was a proud member of the football team and marching band. He became a lifelong entrepreneur and established builder, developer, and property manager. Charles started his career as an entrepreneur opening his own ice cream stand when he was still in high school. After graduating, he was an apprentice to his father-in-law Harvey Frantz to learn the carpentry trade, and was also a milkman for Suncrest Farms. Charles went on to start his own construction and contracting business and developed many properties in the Nazareth area. He was a Board Member of the 2nd National Bank of Nazareth (now Fulton), and served as President and Board Member of People's Coal & Building Supply in Stockertown for many years.

Charles believed in giving back to his community. He volunteered with the Nazareth Jaycees and Kiwanis, and served on the Board of the Nazareth YMCA. Charles and Elizabeth founded the Wagner Family Foundation, which offers supporting grants for local non-profit and service organizations. They also founded the Wagner Scholarship Charitable Trust, offering scholarships to high school graduates who elect to pursue a vocation in the trades.

For over 60 years, Charles would start his day with breakfast with his "diner gang". He enjoyed pitching quoits for local leagues, taking country drives in his Jeepster, and hosting many clambakes and picnics for family and friends in his gazebo. He was known for his collection of thousands of baseball hats, all gifted to him, which he'd carefully match to his outfit everyday. He loved playing with his granddaughter Lizzie and great-niece Joccie, taking them swimming in his pool, on tractor rides around his property, and swinging in the hammock.

Surviving are his daughters, Gail Elizabeth Wagner of Mendham, NJ and Jill Stephanie Tilney of Center Valley, PA, and their husbands Marc Siegel and James Tilney; granddaughter Elizabeth Wagner Biro; sisters Mary Lou Keck and Elda Mae Jones; sister-in-law Kay Betz; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

An informal gathering to celebrate Charles's life will be held at Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, PA on Friday, August 5th. All are welcome to stop by anytime between 2-5pm.

Charles will be laid to rest privately at Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wagner Family Foundation or the Charles R. Wagner and Elizabeth J. M. Wagner Charitable Trust, mailed c/o Bartholomew-Schisler Funeral Home, 211 E Center St, Nazareth, PA, 18064. Charles' family asks for donations to be sent to the foundation or trust above and not to send flowers or donate trees in his memory.