Deceased Friars

Elmer A. Wagner, OFM

Elmer A. Wagner

1927 – 1996

Fr. Elmer Wagner, OFM, was born on July 23, 1927, in Denver, Colo. He was received into Holy Name Province’s novitate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., Aug. 12, 1946. He professed temporary vows Aug. 13, 1947, and made his profession of solemn vows Sept. 17, 1950. Fr. Elmer was ordained to the priesthood on June 28, 1952, in Washington, D.C.

After assignments to Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y., from 1953 to 1957, and Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., from 1957 to 1959, Fr. Elmer went to St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1959. After teaching mathematics for 13 years, he was assigned to the staff at the Northway Mall Chapel, Colonie, N.Y., in 1972. He served there for nearly 24 years, achieving a reputation as an excellent preacher, confessor and counselor.

Fr. Elmer died in St. Mary’s Hospital, Troy, N.Y., on May 21, 1996, just two months and two days shy of his 69th birthday. He was a professed friar for 48 years and a priest for almost 44 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Elmer A. Wagner, OFM

Elmer A. Wagner

1927 – 1996

Fr. Elmer Wagner, OFM, was born on July 23, 1927, in Denver, Colo. He was received into Holy Name Province’s novitate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., Aug. 12, 1946. He professed temporary vows Aug. 13, 1947, and made his profession of solemn vows Sept. 17, 1950. Fr. Elmer was ordained to the priesthood on June 28, 1952, in Washington, D.C.

After assignments to Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y., from 1953 to 1957, and Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., from 1957 to 1959, Fr. Elmer went to St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1959. After teaching mathematics for 13 years, he was assigned to the staff at the Northway Mall Chapel, Colonie, N.Y., in 1972. He served there for nearly 24 years, achieving a reputation as an excellent preacher, confessor and counselor.

Fr. Elmer died in St. Mary’s Hospital, Troy, N.Y., on May 21, 1996, just two months and two days shy of his 69th birthday. He was a professed friar for 48 years and a priest for almost 44 years.