Alan Wagner

Lebanon, NH – Alan Wagner died peacefully October 14, 2026, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Junction, Vermont in the presence of his family, as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s and several seizures. Alan was born in Claremont, NH March 24, 1949, the son of Norman and Ruth Wagner. He grew up in West Claremont and attended West Claremont School, a 3-room schoolhouse with 2 grades to a room. He was a graduate of Stevens High School, class of 1967. In 1970 during the Vietnam War he enlisted in the Air Force, eventually being deployed to Ubon Air Base in Thailand. After completing his 4-year service commitment as a Sgt., he returned to New Hampshire and began working at Sturm Ruger in Newport. He never left, spending 40 years as a skilled and dedicated employee.

After a brief marriage ended in divorce, Alan became a single parent raising his young daughter, Heather, while working full-time. He took great pride in his role as a single dad, and he was a wonderful father. Eventually he joined Parents Without Partners, and there he met Joyce Cilley. They married in 1984 settling into Joyce’s home in Lebanon, NH., and the family became four with Joyce’s daughter, Jennifer Huckins.

As a child of the 1960’s Alan loved music, especially rock, eventually collecting hundreds of CDs. But since he grew up with the Beatles, they have always been his favorites, which is why he skipped school the day their first album was released to make sure he was first in line. He had an amazing collection of memorabilia and CDs of every song and album. He knew the words for every song they recorded. When he and Joyce visited England, the highlight of the trip for Alan was to have a private tour of Abbey Road Studios in London and to pose in the crosswalk ala the iconic album cover. Alan and Joyce enjoyed travel, visiting Europe 4 times, touring England, Italy, Switzerland, Germany France, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Alan was especially fond of Normandy and the American Cemetery and Memorial overlooking Omaha Beach.

Alan began skiing Ascutney Mountain as a 5-year-old and developed into an expert skier. He enjoyed Okemo and Sunapee and once retired, skied almost every day, making a huge number of daily runs. One of his greatest joys was to have taught his Granddaughter Katlyn, at age 4, how to ski and then skiing with her as she grew up. He was a very proud Grandfather when she was able to out ski him. Alan also enjoyed biking, especially on the Northern Rail Trail. He also walked daily, meticulously keeping track of his steps, which some days numbered 30,000 plus. Alan was also accomplished at Cribbage playing in many tournaments and he always seemed to have a game going with someone. He enjoyed hunting deer and being in the woods. He also taught himself how to be a woodworker, creating expertly handcrafted pieces of oak furniture. He was a member of the Lebanon Elks, American Legion, and VFW, and he was honored to be a member of the American Legion Honor Guard, performing at over 100 funeral services for veterans, and marching in parades.

Alan’s family is especially grateful for the excellent care and thoughtful dedicated attention he received at the VA hospital in the ICU and from the palliative care team. Alan is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joyce, his daughter, Heather (Newport N.H.), his daughter Jennifer (Chad) Huckins (Holderness N.H.), his granddaughter, Katlyn Huckins (Ossipee N.H.), his brother, Tom (Amy) (Charleston VT), and several nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Peter Parker, and David Wagner.

Calling hours will be at Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St., Lebanon, NH Saturday October 24 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with the American Legion Honor Guard salute at 1:00 PM. The family invites you to a light lunch after at the American Legion, 189 Mechanic St., Lebanon, NH. Interment will be scheduled for a later date at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. An online guest book is avaialable to leave Alan’s family a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com