Stanley A

Stanley A. “Bill” Wagner, age 83, died at his home in Lodi on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

Bill was born in Elmira in 1927, a son of the late Stanley L. and Alta (Button) Wagner of Caywood. He was trained at Sampson Naval Base, and was a WWII Veteran. A lifelong grape grower, he was known as the founder of Wagner Vineyards Winery, established in 1978. Bill was a respected wine industry innovator and was instrumental in bringing renown to the Finger Lakes as a premium wine producing region. He is further known for establishing the Ginny Lee Café and Wagner Brewing Company, and he remained active in these businesses throughout his life.

He is survived by his children, Laura (Bob) Wagner Lee of Watkins Glen, Stephen W. Wagner of Lodi and John L. (Debra) Wagner of Lodi; grandchildren, Ginny, Stephen and Kevin Lee and Ian, Hayden and Adam Wagner; a sister, Marjorie (Milt) Chodack of Virginia, many nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children, Ruth VanVleet Wagner of Lodi. Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Jodka Solometo.

The family will receive friends at a Time of Remembrance in celebration of Bill’s life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Wagner Vineyards from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Lodi Historical Society, PO Box 279 or the Lodi Fire Department, PO Box 299, Lodi, NY 14860, in his memory.