William R. Wagner

William (Bill) Wagner passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025 surrounded by his family, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born on January 21, 1957 to Sally Lasher Wagner and the late Frank Wagner, who preceded him in death in 2023. He graduated from Dallas High School in 1974 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from King’s College in 1978. He also received a Master’s Degree in Education from Wilkes University in 1989. 

 Bill went on to teach in the Science department of Dallas High School for 35 years. Besides being among his students’ favorite teachers, he also served as the President of the Dallas teacher’s union from 1989 to 2013 and as Treasurer of the PSEA Northeastern Region. Extracurricularly, Bill was the Yearbook Advisor for many years and proud founder of the Seinfeld Club at Dallas, a tribute to his favorite television show, and was recently part of multiple first-place teams at local Seinfeld trivia events - a true master of his domain. Following his retirement in 2014, Bill remained active with the PSEA and Junior Leadership. 

 Bill was a huge Penn State football fan, attending many games in State College as well as several bowl games over the years. He also enjoyed going on cruise vacations, attending concerts and theater productions, collecting and gifting grandfather clocks, working out at the gym, and frequenting his favorite local dining establishments with friends and family. It brought Bill a great sense of pride to revel in his children’s accomplishments and he loved telling everyone what courses Jason was teaching at Wilkes and where Kelly and Steve were off to next on one of their RV trips. 

 In addition to his mother Sally, Bill is survived by his partner Charles Robey, Wyoming, his former wife Michelle Wagner, Harvey’s Lake, and their children, Kelly Alfano and her husband Steve, Kingston and Jason Wagner, Kingston. He is also survived by his brother Robert and wife Linda, and their son Robert, and his brother Barry and wife Heidi, and their children Marcus and Courtney, as well by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Besides being beloved by his family, Bill was a cherished colleague, mentor and friend to many. His warmth, positivity, wit and wisdom will be greatly missed! 

 Funeral service will be held, Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM from The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA. with The Rev. Jon Buxton, pastor Shavertown United Methodist Church, officiating. Friends may call Sunday from 5 to 8 PM at the Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at Disquefuneralhome.com 

 In lieu of flowers and in memory of Bill’s life as a servant leader, donations can be made to the Junior Leadership program of Leadership Northeast, 4 Public Square Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or online at leadershipnortheast.org/donate. Please add “The Bill Wagner Fund” in the notes section. 

 Bill’s family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the University of Pennsylvania’s Oncology Division, Medical Oncology Associates in Kingston, and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for their care and compassion these last four months.