Durbin LeRoy Wagner

Durbin L. Wagner July 10, 2023 Durbin LeRoy Wagner, 85, of Newport went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 10, 2023 in UPMC West Shore Hospital, Mechanicsburg, PA, following a lengthy illness. Born September 6, 1937, in Tamaqua, he was the son of the late Paul LeRoy and Marguerite (Ott) Wagner. After graduating from Tamaqua High School in 1955, Durbin entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1956, which he attended for one year. He went to on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1957-58. Durbin attended Wyoming Seminary for one year, and then transferred to Dickenson College in 1960, where he met his future wife, Judith, and earned his BA in 1962. He received his master’s degree from Lehigh University, and PhD. of Education from Nova University and the University of Tucson. He began his teaching career in New Jersey in 1963, and became a beloved teacher and principal, highly regarded by his former students; known for his kindness, compassion and generosity with second chances. Durbin had a longtime love for athletics, coaching and officiating for various football, basketball and baseball teams. He started teaching in Tamaqua in 1964, and from there, went on to teach at Minersville, where he was also Principal. He was Assistant Principal in Kutztown, going on to serve at West Perry as Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Athletic Director. He retired after serving as Superintendent in Phillipsburg from 1995 to 1996. Following his retirement, Durbin was a company representative for Everbind Books, Cram Maps, and Macmillan Publishers. He was a member of Newport American Legion Post 177, and Tamaqua/Mahanoy City Lodge 238 F&AM. He was an elder at the First United Presbyterian Church in Tamaqua, and a member of St. Samuel’s Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newport. Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Judith (Garland) Wagner of Newport, PA; Son S. Durbin Wagner and wife Yolanda of Tamaqua and daughter Jane Wagner of New Bloomfield; a brother, Rev. S. Bruce Wagner and wife Sylvia of New Jersey, and brother-in-law Frank Vido of Ohio; cousin Joan Wagner Camerini of Tamaqua, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Wagner, sister Lois and her husband LaVerne Etshman, and sister Fay Vido. A service will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in the Boyer Family Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield, PA, with a viewing two hours (4-6 p.m.) prior to the service; and Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 1 p.m. in Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA. A viewing will be held two hours (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) prior to the service. Interment is to be at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tamaqua at the convenience of the family. Masonic services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made, in Durbin’s memory, to the West Perry Athletic Department, West Perry School District, 2606 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg, PA 17024. The Boyer Family is honored to handle the arrangements for the Wagner Family

Durbin LeRoy Wagner

September 6, 1937 - July 10, 2023