Little League® International mourns the passing of Frank Wagner, former Vermont District 1 Administrator, Vermont state director and a field director on the Little League International Board of Directors. He was 87.
Mr. Wagner, a native of Colchester, Vt., served as a District Administrator for 25 years (1970-94), and following his nomination as the Eastern Region representative to the International Board, served a three-year term (1979-1981). He received his 20-year-service pin at the 1989 Congress in Reno, Nev. In total, Mr. Wagner was a Little League volunteer for more than 40 years.
At the age of 17, Mr. Wagner enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country during World War II, while stationed on board the USS Bon Homme Richard in the Pacific. Following his discharge after the War, Mr. Wagner returned to Burlington, where he finished his high school education and went to work for the McKenzie Meat Packing Company.
Mr. Wagner later held several positions in the City of Burlington government, ultimately culminating with the position of City Clerk, the number-two position in the city. He served in that role for almost 30 years, several times filling in as Acting Mayor. Following his retirement for the Burlington City Clerk office he relocated to Bradenton, Fla.
Both in Vermont, and in Florida, Mr. Wagner was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he proudly held many district and state offices spanning a period of more than 53 years. He also was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, having served as secretary for more than 25 years. Mr. Wagner also was involved with Loyal Order of Moose, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion both in Vermont and in Florida.
Mr. Wagner is survived by his daughters, Valerie Brown and Patti Danis; sons, Robert (RJ) and John; grandchildren, Michael Ryan, Katie Ryan-Martin, Jordan Ryan, John Wagner, Amanda Wagner-Rondeau Neal Danis and Andrew Danis; and several great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Marie, in August, 1998.