Wagner, Hall Robert

Fairport – Died peacefully, October 2, 2018 at Fairport Baptist Home, his home for many years.

Born June 9, 1921, the Judge was predeceased by parents, Harold and Margaret Hall Wagner, two children who died in childhood, Margaret and Warren, brother, George Wagner, and devoted wife of over 50 years, Winifred Hull Wagner.

He is survived by nieces and nephews, Ruth (Doug) Reiner, Ronald (Pat) Wagner, Douglas Wagner, Jan (Wallace) Sharp, Scott (Lisa) Clark, Kim (Mike) Volna, and sister-in-law, Audrey Wagner.  Other survivors include George and Holly Wolf as well as numerous cousins – descendants of Deacon James Lovett of the East Penfield Baptist Church.

The Judge graduated from Fairport High School and St. Lawrence University (where he met Winifred).  After a stint in the US Army Air Corps.-he never considered himself a veteran because he was stationed stateside-he graduated from Harvard Law School on the G.I. Bill.

The Judge had two overarching interests, serving each in many capacities.

Foremost was his unflagging interest in and devotion to the cause of children affected by developmental disabilities.  The Judge and his wife spearheaded family, then community and finally statewide efforts to recognize such children as individuals with potential to join mainstream society.  Toward this end they organized parents, lobbied for services and carried the torch for special education.  Winifred taught the first BOCES class in New York state for “educable” children.  The Judge was an early President of New York State Association for the Help of Retarded Children – a precursor to ARC of Monroe — and an advocate for the consolidation of support agencies under a single roof, a dream finally realized in the Al Sigl Center.

Next was his love of the law, affording a pathway to service to the broader community.   As a deputy county attorney, he assisted in the formation of the first public library system in New York.  In the early 1960s he left private practice at Easton, Wagner & Bittker to become Family Court Judge.   He later served as a Justice of the Supreme Court, sitting primarily in Rochester but also in the Bronx.

The Judge also had a strong sense of community and family.  His many community posts included GOP Town Leader in Perinton, counsel to the Planning and Zoning boards of the Village of Fairport, trustee of the Fairport Public Library and service as board member of many local organizations including the Fairport Rotary Club, of which he was President.  He is remembered on Fairport High School’s Alumni Wall of Fame, was a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2011 received the Paul L. Vick Philanthropy award of the Fairport Baptist Home.  By inaugurating annual get-togethers, the Judge fostered a sense of identity and family among the descendants of Deacon James Lovett, a large and disparate group spread over western and central New York state.

Friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Richard Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt location), 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Friday October 12, 2018 between 4-6 PM.  A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the First United Church of Christ, 26 East Church Street, Fairport at 2PM. Interment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Penfield.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the First United Church of Christ, Fairpor