A lifelong Rockland County resident, David was born on November 14, 1936 to Frederic and Elizabeth Wagner. He graduated from Nyack High School, and went on to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University and Brooklyn Law School.
In 1964, he married the love of his life, Beth Clarke, to whom he was married for 55 years. He is survived by his five children, Amy Mele (Armand), Jeffrey (Annmarie), Brian, Christopher (Kristine) and Sarah Wagner-Eisenberg (Daniel), as well as nine grandchildren, who adored their Papa immensely.
He is also survived by his three siblings, Timothy, Daniel and Elizabeth (Hanson), and many nieces and nephews.
David was a founding member of the firm Freedman, Wagner, Tabakman and Weiss in New City, and focused on Worker’s Compensation Law. He was also an Election Law expert. David has the distinction of arguing before the United States Supreme Court twice – and winning. In his most renowned case – Branti v. Finkel, the Supreme Court ruled that the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution protect government workers from dismissal based solely on their political beliefs.
He was actively involved in Rockland County Politics, having served in the Rockland County Legislature from January 1980 to December 1983, and was an active member of the Rockland County Conservative Party for over 30 years. A lifelong public servant, he also held the positions of Clarkstown Deputy Town Attorney, Assistant County Attorney and Counsel to the Legislature during his lengthy and memorable career.
He was a staunch advocate of animal rights, and lovingly cared for many dogs, cats, reptiles, hamsters as well as a horse, Dandy, throughout his life. He loved convertibles, motorcycles, sailing, flying (he held a pilot’s license for many years) westerns and very dry martinis.
Due to the Covid virus, David’s internment at St. Anthony’s on Thursday, June 4th at 9:30 a.m. will be limited to immediate family only. The family will hold a memorial service celebrating David’s life when regulations permit. Time and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the ASPCA would be appreciated.
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