Jack W. Wagner, age 82, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover.

Born in Dover on January 24, 1944, Jack was a son of the late Joseph Wagner and Nita L. Emig Dummermuth.

As a teenager, Jack was a bit of a hell-raiser. He had a deep love for fast cars and drag racing. In his youth, he worked as a floor boy at the Tuscora Park skating rink, a job that perfectly matched his love for dancing. It was there at the park that Jack asked a young lady named Carolyn Sickles to dance. That simple invitation marked the beginning of a lifelong love story. The couple was united in marriage on July 6, 1968, and together built a life rooted in love, laughter, and devotion, recently celebrating 58 years of marriage.

He took great pride in his military service, having served as a medic in the United States Army. Following his service, Jack dedicated his career to the City of New Philadelphia, eventually retiring as Chief Operator of the Water Treatment Plant.

Jack lived a full life centered around his family, his country, and his friends. He demonstrated a deep love for his children, spending many years coaching his son in Little League baseball, sharing his passion for the outdoors, and proudly serving as the Marching Quaker Band Booster President during his daughter’s high school years.

An avid outdoorsman throughout much of his life, Jack found peace in the woods and on the water. Whether hunting, fishing, or trapping snapping turtles alongside his longtime friend, Emmett F. Roth, he embraced every opportunity to enjoy nature. Summer camping trips created lasting memories for his family, while his backyard became a gathering place where friends, neighbors, and loved ones were always welcome. With Carolyn by his side, Jack hosted countless soup nights and fish fries around the backyard fire pit—a place where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and lifelong friendships were strengthened.

In addition to his loving wife, Carolyn, Jack is survived by his children, Steven (Audrey Wells) Wagner and Nita Poremski; his granddaughters, Maggie Poremski and Kate Poremski; his sister, Mary Massarelli; his brother-in-law, Dan Sickels; nieces, Colin Charles and Linda Wendt; long-time neighbors and friends Roger and Sandi Schwartz, and Donita Klein.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Dalton Devore; his sister, Shirley Jordan; his niece, Jeana Massarelli; and his brother-in-law, Bill Sickels.

In keeping with Jack's wishes, family and friends will gather to celebrate his life in his favorite place—around the backyard fire pit at his home—sharing stories, laughter, and memories of a life well lived. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling cremation arrangements.