John Louis Vagner

LINK FOR LIVESTREAM OF FUNERAL MASS ON FRIDAY AT 10am

John Louis Vagner passed away at home suddenly on Saturday, January 15, 2022.  He grew up in the Lawndale section of Philadelphia.  He has resided in Oreland, PA since 1972.  He just celebrated his 75th birthday.

John was the beloved husband of Eleanor Vagner (nee Hespell) for 52 years. He is the loving father of Michael Vagner (Evelyn) of Mullica Hill, NJ, and Nancy Darcy (Michael) of Fort Washington, PA.  His proudest title was Dad.

He was the devoted grandfather of Caitlyn, Erin, and Michael Darcy; Madison and Tyler Vagner. They have brought so much joy into his life.

John was the brother of Linda Kaplan, and brother in law of Charles Hespell, Nancy Klaum, and Frances Arapakis.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  He will be greatly missed by all of his family.

John was a teacher for 35 years.  He taught his first year in Marple Newtown, and then 34 years in the Upper Dublin School District.  For 17 years at the high school, he taught Physical Education, Swimming, and Drivers Education.  Then 17 years at the Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School he taught physical Education and Health.   He coached the high school football team as a line coach for 22 years.

John loved building things for the grandchildren.  He enjoyed his model train collection, picking blueberries every summer, watching how tall his tomato plants would grow, and bike rides in Ocean City.  He was an avid Eagles fan.  For eight years, Sheeba, his beloved service dog was always by his side, 24/7. He frequently spoke to groups about Canine Partners for Life and the important work that Sheeba and other service dogs do for people.

Friends and family are invited to John's viewing from 9am to 10am, on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Saint Genevieve Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 10am. Interment will follow at Saint Denis' Cemetery, 2401 St. Denis Lane, Havertown, Pa 19083. All are invited to a luncheon following John's funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), PO Box 37937, Boone, IA 50037-0937, or to Canine Partners For Life, PO Box 170, Cochranville. PA 19330.

Arrangements are being made by the John Bryers Funeral Home, Willow Grove, www.bryersfh.com, 215-659-1630

The Family requests that everyone please wear a mask at church and the cemetery

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