Donald W. Wagner

Donald W. Wagner, age 73, left this world peacefully on Friday morning, July 7, 2023, at the Siegenthaler Center in New Hartford. At the time of his passing and throughout his illness, Don has had the love and constant support of his devoted family at his side.

Born in Salem, MA on September 20, 1949, Don was the son of the late Virginia Cronin and Alfred Wagner. His upbringing in a military family led him to various places, the majority of which was spent on the west coast. He was a 1967 graduate of Fermin Lasuen Catholic High School in San Pedro, Califronia, after which Don continued his education by attending broadcasting school.

Just as he did during his youth, Don moved around a lot as an adult; as his career in broadcasting advanced, it led him to growth opportunities throughout the country. Progression in his field brought him to the following stations throughout the span of his fifty-year career in radio:

• KKBW, San Diego, California
• KPOP, Brauley, California
• KDES, Palm Springs, California
• KAFY, Bakersfield, California
• KPAM, Portland, Oregon
• WDRO, Detroit, Michigan
• KUUU, Seattle, Washington
• KUPD, Phoenix, Arizona
• KNIX, Phoenix, Arizona
• WBCS, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• KRST, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
• WHKW, Louisville, Kentucky
• KKAT, Salt Lake City, Utah
• WHOK, Columbus, Ohio
• WFRG, Utica, New York
• WFRY, Watertown, New York
• WSEN, Syracuse, New York

He served in many positions, including on-air talent, operations manager and eventually culminating as General Manager of WFRY and WSEN. His career always brought him to new places where he met new people and he easily made friends wherever his path brought him.

It was when he landed in the Utica area that Don met and fell in love with Elaine F. Cardarelli. The two were married in a private ceremony on Marco Island, Florida on May 1, 2001 and together they have shared in a devoted union filled with love, laughter and companionship, recently celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary.

As a couple, Don and Elaine complimented one another amazingly and Don was certainly known as “the calm to Elaine’s storm!” The two had an intimate and unshakable bond and together enjoyed life’s simple pleasures of delectable food and fine wine. Melbourne, Florida was their happy place where they spent every chance they could to break away from life’s every day trials. They also shared a common bond over their love for animals; Don holding a particular affinity for his yellow-naped Amazon parrot. Always the epitome of class, Don had a great sense of style and kept an immaculate wardrobe, one that would rival any men’s clothing store.

Don’s personality was defined by his quiet, gentle and genuine demeanor. He kept active by enjoying golf, skiing and in his earlier years, surfing. He was kind and agreeable and in that way attracted those around him. He was a blessing to the family that he married into later in his life and in return they blessed him with their love, acceptance and support. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; his beloved dogs, Molly and Gibbs; his mother-in-law, Florence Cardarelli; his in-laws, Lydia and Andy Zaffarano of Frankfort; his nieces, Andrea Cordero and husband, Efrain of Whitesboro and Lindsey DeMarchis and husband, Chris of Williamsville; his great-nieces and great-nephew, Carmen Cordero, Xavier Cordero and London DeMarchis; and his close friends, Marilyn DePiazza and Andy Sturm. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Carmen Cardarelli.

A special thank you is extended to Dr. Peter Morrison from the University of Rochester for his kindness and compassion during these past five years. Our gratitude is owed as well to all the angels at the Siegenthaler Center: Joanne, Mary, Barb, Laurie, Georgia, Ashley, Joe and the rest of the staff for all the love and support during these past few weeks.

Elaine would also like to acknowledge her family and dear friends who supported her and Don during this journey; she could not have done it without you all. Special recognition as well to her sister, Lydia, and her brother-in-law, Andy, who not only were with them throughout Don’s illness these last five years, but never left their sides during his final three weeks.

In keeping with Don’s wishes there will be no formal funeral services. His family will gather privately to bid their farewells to him. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Don’s final arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .