Gilbert C. Wager, a long time resident of Nanuet, NY, died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Airmont. He was 94. Born on April 30, 1922 in New York City, he graduated from Regis High School in 1941. He enlisted in the United States Army after the onset of WWII and served with the Signal Corps
working on radio communications for the US Army and US Navy in the European theatre until the end of the conflict. After the war, he attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, where he continued studying his career interest in telecommunications and graduated with a BS degree in electrical engineering in 1949, and spent many years active in the Lehigh alumni association, keeping up with his fellow students. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane Shea, that same year, a union that would last for 67 years. He worked for many years for AT&T and then the Federal Electric Corporation before retiring in 1987. An avid and expert fisherman, he introduced his lifetime passion for fishing to all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, and friends. Many happy days were spent following Opa (as he was known) to the lakes and streams of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine. Such trips were made in pursuit of fish that were often released back into their habitat, but especially to enjoy the peace and natural harmony of these wild spaces, which is a legacy he has passed on to countless people. He and his companions would typically use the fishing rods, flies, and other gear he skillfully hand-crafted over many years in his free time, items he gave away freely to many. Other lifelong passions included photography and "fixing just about anything that could break". Timeless photographs of national parks and lighthouses of the eastern US that include towering mountains, lush valleys, blue skies and crashing waves hang on many walls as a result of his keen eye.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 67 years, five children, Eileen Thompson, Maureen Bosley (Thomas), Kathleen Chapman (Allan), Gilbert Wager (Mary), and William Wager (Joan), 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Helen Kroehler and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mental Health Association of Rockland county at www.mharockland.org/shop/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 27, 2016
Gil introduced me to a "Purple People Eater" fly and barbless hooks. Many enjoyable times were had with Gil. Fondly, Dave Gordon
December 16, 2016
a loved one
December 15, 2016
John B. St. Clair
What great memories all these years.He was our trout fishing hero! and that was a long time! Dave Pop Mom really enjoyed Gil and Jane.
December 15, 2016
Gil was not a usual fisherman even though he specialized in using the "USUAL" fly with his expert casting and unbelievable knack for finding a rising trout when it was too dark to see the water. Please remember to fish barbless so that Gil can rest in peace. Thank you for sponsoring me at Minks. You will be missed my friend
Bill & Tedi Mellinger
December 15, 2016
Boy,Gil was always our hero trout fisherman! My family always enjoyed being with Gil and that was many years. Love John St Clair,Dave,my Dad and Mother.
December 15, 2016
Fred Lauer
Jane, Our condolences to you and the family. Gil was a wonderful gentleman and the consumate angler. I recall many enjoyable days with the two of you at Mink Pond and still tie on a Usual when there is no hatch to match.
Kind Regards,
Fred Lauer
December 15, 2016
Jane-
I am so sorry for your loss; I think I did recall your telling me he had gone to Regis as I did ('62)- Ad maiorem dei gloriam-
Tony Demarest
December 15, 2016
Carolyn Howington
So sorry that we will not be able to attend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially Aunt Jane as she says so long to a wonderful husband and friend for all these many years.
May the good Lord wrap His loving arms around you during this very difficult time.
Love,
Carolyn and Mike Howington
Helen Kroehler
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