Joseph Wagner

Obituary For Joseph Wagner

Joseph John Wagner Jr. passed away on August 10, 2020, at Duke Hospital. Joe was born in Buffalo NY on November 9, 1943, to Joseph and Marie (Culotta) Wagner. He was the eldest of seven. Joe graduated from Mater Dei High School of Santa Ana, CA. He earned a BA of Arts in Geography from Cal State Long Beach. Joe enlisted in the Army and served during the Vietnam War. He proudly served his country, just like his Dad. Joe continued to serve his community as a postal carrier and then supervisor. After retirement, he and his wife Peg left California for Jackson Mississippi and opened espresso bars in medical centers at Ole Miss, Methodist Rehab, Baptist Hospital, and Café 51. They arrived in Jackson before Starbucks! This was such an event, the local paper wrote a large article about them. He was known as Jackson Joe Java. Several years later, they sold the business and moved to North Carolina to be closer to family.

Joe immediately embraced his new community. Joe participated in many organizations and clubs. He was an active member of Knights of Columbus of Holy Infant Church, having recently earned his 4th degree in December 2019. He was an avid poetry writer and was a member of the Haiku Society. He belonged to the Experimental Aviation Association and was involved with the Epilepsy Association, just to name a few. Joe could be found playing his Garbacello throughout the Research Triangle Area. He was known as “The Man with The Can”. When not in a jam session, Joe could be found helping in his neighbors’ gardens or puttering around Holy Infant’s grounds.

Joe was a friend to everyone.

Joe was predeceased by his parents Joseph Sr. and Marie; his dear son David and his beloved dog Goldie.

Joe leaves behind the love of his life, Peg, cat Kitty Caboose, daughter Andrea, granddaughter Ariana; son Phillip, grandchildren Andrew and Makaylee; step-daughter Kelley Reynolds, step-grandchildren Bryce and Berkeley; step-son Jason Albano (Wendy), step-grandsons Rocco, Wolf, and Jameson. Joe loved to be called “Guppie” by his grandkids. Brother Dennis (Natalie) of Washington, sister Sheila Godinez (Hector) of California, brother Michael of Washington, sister Maria Rogers (Kaycee) of Washington, brother Matthew (Tina) of Colorado, brother Robert (Barbara) of California, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved and was very proud.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rogers, nurse Jennifer Lewis, Dr. Sinha, nurse Hanna 3rd floor DCT who provided outstanding care during Joe’s final days.

Due to the pandemic, services are expected to be held in early 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Knights of Columbus, Council 17125, Rey Ramirez FS Att. Blessed Louis Brisson,1316 Elmset Lane, Durham, NC. 27713