He attended schools in Malverne, Long Island NY, and graduated from Malverne High School in June 1953. He enrolled at Valparaiso University that fall. It was there he met his fellow student and future wife, Barbara Brown in 1956. He and Barbara graduated from Valparaiso January 24, 1958 and got married the following day, January 25, 1958. They began their teaching careers at North Judson, Indiana High School, where he taught history and she taught English and Physical Education.
In 1959, Ron joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego. They relocated to San Diego and Barbara returned to her Alma Mater, Escondido High school and taught Physical Education while he served.
Their first son Randy was born in 1960. Ron finished his service in the Navy in 1961 and began teaching social science/history and coaching football and soccer in the Sweetwater Union High school district. Their second son, Bryan, was born in 1962 and their third son, Adam in 1965.
In 1968, Ron joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves as an ensign and served 25 years as a weekend warrior, climbing the ranks to Commander before retiring in 1993.
In 1996, he retired from teaching at Bonita Vista Middle School after 35 years in the Sweetwater Union High School District. He and Barbara sold their home in Chula Vista and became full time RV’ers. They found a home base at the Escapees Resort in Jojoba Hills, Aguanga CA, where they have resided for the past 24 years. He stayed physically fit through running daily and bicycling with friends.
Ron was a faithful servant. He attended and served in various Lutheran churches all his life, most recently as an elder at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Anza, CA. He also spent 25 years in scouting as a scoutmaster of his boys’ troops, plus as a training leader in the San Diego Scout Council. He guided two of his sons through Eagle Scouts and the third through Life Scout.
He is survived by his wife Barbara of over 62 years; his sons, Randy (Diane), Bryan and Adam, four grandchildren, Liesl, Matt, Hallie and Will Wagner, and his great-granddaughter, Layla. He is also survived by his sister Carol Wagner Ragonesi (Jack) of The Villages, Florida and nieces and nephews, Karen, Christopher, Beth and Andrew.
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