It is with tremendous sorrow we announce the passing of William “Billy” Wagner. Billy passed on September 21, 2021, at the age of 76. Billy was born on September 14, 1945, in Dover, New Jersey. He is survived by his beloved Cynthia Ann, daughter Jacqueline Wagner, son-in-law Nick and grandson Evan Mistretta, brother Roger (Mary) Wagner, brother Greg (Carol), numerous nieces and nephews.
Billy graduated in 1965 from Morris Hills High School in New Jersey with a passion for history and broke records in cross-country running. He enjoyed music, especially the oldies, and dancing. He had a successful career as a senior technician for Imperial Office Systems and was employed by Parsippany School District as their audio-visual specialist. Additionally, was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Billy loved his country and was a proud Petty Officer 3rd Class and Veteran of the Vietnam War in the United States Navy Air Crew, having served three deployments during the conflict aboard the USS Constellation CV-64 (Ghostriders), USS Ranger CV-61, and USS Fiske DD-842. Following his service in Vietnam, Billy continued to serve as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 50th Armored Division.
Billy’s dedication to those who served was noteworthy – he was an ardent member of Military Honor and Color Guards for over 30 years – honoring and laying to rest those who served our nation. His patriotism was further exemplified through his volunteerism. Billy was a Post Commander of the American Legion (Post 390) in Denville, New Jersey. Later in life, following a relocation to Florida, he became an active member of his local American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, Marine Corps League, and Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
Billy Wagner was beloved by so many, and he never knew a stranger, as he was always quick to engage anyone and everyone along his path with a smile and his signature “Arrr…”. He will be missed by those he touched, and we will always carry him close to our hearts. Anchors Aweigh, Billy.
Services will be held at Dobies Funeral Home at 6616 Congress St. Chapel in New Port Richey, FL on Saturday, November 13 from 1:00-2:00 pm followed by the “Celebration of Life” at American Legion Paradise Post 79, 5329 Legion Pl, Port Richey, FL. Eternal resting place will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support our military brothers and sisters to any of the following:
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes - Congress
Maureen and George H.
October 5, 2021, 11:51 pm
RIP Billy.🙏🏻 🇺🇸 Our condolences and prayers to his Family. ❤️
Dan and Judie Edwards
October 6, 2021, 2:29 pm
Billy was a friend and a Conrad and will be greatly missed.
We shared many special memories over the years. Our most special memories were our days spent with the American Legion 390 color guard. Billy as captain lead us to many first place wins along with us winning the state championship in Wildwood, N.J. at the state convention.
Billy’s love for dancing and socializing has given us all many enjoyable hours together. His effervescent personality and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
We lost a true PATRIOT.
RIP my friend.
Dan and Judie Edwards
Rich & Fran Fritschie
October 6, 2021, 6:37 pm
We loved you Billy and you will be dearly missed. Our friendship will go on wherever you
are.
Pamela R. Vamvouris
October 17, 2021, 2:41 am
I’m going to miss you Billy!! Thank you for always making me feel welcome when I came to visit and for going out of your way to treat me and my kids with a love. The thing that I admire most about you was you deep & devoted love of country. I appreciate your service to our country. I will always treasure our special memories together from over the years. Thank you for being my mom’s other half. She misses you everyday, every minute! I know you’ll be her guardian angel, and she’ll continue to be your anchor. Rest In Peace, Billy! You’ll be forever remembered, dearly missed & loved by all who knew you. Love, Pammy ❤️🙏❤️❤️
Rich and Brandon Clark
October 17, 2021, 12:06 pm
Big B – You were a special part of our family and will be missed greatly. We will never forget visiting over the years and being greeted with your warm smile and unique persona! Your many years of service to our country and countless Veterans were truly noteworthy. It was an honor Billy, we’ll muster on the other side. Until then, hold it down up there and stand watch for us all. Love, Rich and Brandon
April lynn
October 19, 2021, 11:58 am
I’m going to miss you Billy!! Thank you for making me smile every time I saw you on Tuesday.. Thank you for everything that you did for everyone. I’m glad I was able to make you happy before you went.. Im really going to miss making taco salads for you on Tuesdays.. Im going to miss you so much. You will forever be remembered for all the amazing you’ve done! Love, April
Cathy
October 19, 2021, 4:57 pm
Billy you will be missed!!!!!! the happiness you brought to my sister Cynthia was priceless and she will have the wonderful memory’s that you shared together until you meet again!!!!!! You will be forever in our hearts!!!! ! !
Love Cathy
Kyle Vamvouris
October 20, 2021, 1:11 am
Billy was an amazing person all around. I loved hanging out with him on the lanai and hearing his stories about the good old days. He would always make me laugh and had a special way of lighting up a room.
You will be missed Billy!
Sidney A. & Irene Korvun
October 20, 2021, 3:31 pm
To our friend Billy, we will miss you. You brought sunshine wherever you were. There are so many fond memories of you dancing and singing. You will forever be in our hearts.
Tom and Lila
October 20, 2021, 5:12 pm
Billy,
We are so honored to of had you in our life. We will miss your smile , sence of humor, and your signature “arr”. Thank you for your service and devotion to our country. You will be forever in our hearts. Until we meet again!
Love Tom and Lila
Elsie Stevens
October 20, 2021, 5:30 pm
Billy,
Thank you for your service and dedication to our country and for the love you showed to my daughter over many years. You will be greatly misses. Elsie
Tom and Lila Stephens
October 20, 2021, 5:34 pm
Billy.
We are honored to have had you in our family. We will miss your smile, sence of humor and your signature “Arr”. Thank you for your service and devotion to our country. You will always be in our hearts. Until we meet again.!
Love Tom and Lila
Sharon Lassins
November 9, 2021, 1:30 am
RIP Billy, many years of friendship and laughs. You will be missed by so many. Until we meet again. Thank you for your dedication to your country and Cindy…
Love, Sharon
Christy Morgowicz
November 11, 2021, 2:05 am
Billy,
You were such a wonderful member of our family. We will miss your never ending jokes, stories of the past , caring ways, and your signature “Arr”. You had always welcomed us with warmth and love when we would come visit you and my Aunt Cindy. We honor and thank you for your service for our country. We will truly miss you. Until we meet again.
Love,
Leon, Christy, Maksim, and Allison
Tommy Voris (vamvouris)
December 7, 2021, 1:36 pm
Billy you are truly missed 🙁
It feels like yesterday we were having conversations on the patio about Ford’s, ships, and Harleys. It feels like last week when you forcefully dragged me on some stage to sing karaoke with you.
I’m sure you’re “connected” upstairs and having a blast, but know you’re missed down here my friend.