Martin Samuel Wagner

Martin Samuel Wagner, age 89, of Redding, formerly of Wilton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, surrounded by family. Marty was born on July 31, 1936, in New York City, to Irving and Mae (Freeland) Wagner.

Marty graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1954 and went on to attend Queens College, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He then attended Columbia Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1961.

Following law school, Marty moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice from 1962 to 1966, handling civil litigation. He later returned to New York City and became an Associate at the law firm of Jacobs, Persinger and Parker from 1966 to 1972.

In 1972, Marty joined Xerox Corporation, where he built an accomplished and respected career that spanned more than three decades. Beginning as staff counsel, he steadily rose through the ranks and ultimately served as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the corporation. Over his 31 years with Xerox, Marty was known for his sharp legal mind, sound judgment, and unwavering integrity. He retired in 2003.

Earlier in life, Marty was an avid runner and maintained an active lifestyle for many years. After retiring, Marty and his beloved wife, Mary, enjoyed traveling and spending time in places they loved. They spent many summers in Martha’s Vineyard and winters in Sarasota, creating cherished memories together.

Retirement also gave Marty the opportunity to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. He loved watching them grow and cherished the time they spent together.

Those who knew Marty understood that he carried himself with a seriousness that reflected his strong sense of responsibility and character. Yet beneath that seriousness was a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could appear at just the right moment and leave everyone laughing—even in his later years.

Marty was also known for his signature sense of style. For much of his career he wore a traditional three-piece suit to the office each day, long after vests had fallen out of fashion. It was simply part of who he was. When Xerox introduced “Casual Friday,” Marty embraced the change in his own way—by leaving off the vest, which was his version of dressing down. In time he did eventually adopt true business casual attire, but his polished and classic style remained one of his trademarks.

Among the many friendships Marty cherished was his membership in the Fairfield Financial Fund, a social club formed with a close-knit group of friends that began as an investment venture and evolved into a lifelong bond. The members even ordered matching purple windbreakers embroidered with nicknames. While others chose playful monikers like “Tootsie” or “Bunny,” Marty’s simply read “Mr. Wagner,” a fitting tribute to the thoughtful, steady presence and voice of reason he was among his friends.

Even in his later years, Marty’s dry wit remained firmly intact. During a recent meeting with several staff members at his assisted living community, a social worker began by telling him how well liked he was “despite his best efforts.” Without missing a beat, Marty replied, “I guess I’ll have to try harder.” The quick response perfectly captured the blend of seriousness and humor that defined him and endeared him to so many throughout his life.

Marty was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Mary, and by his parents, Irving and Mae Wagner.

He is survived by his children, Kelly (Gels) and Neil Wagner; his cherished grandchildren, Noah, Molly, and Logan Gels, and Martin and Emma Wagner; his nieces and nephews—Karen, Jack, David, JG, Noel, and John; and by the many friends whose lives he touched over the years.

Marty will be remembered for his intelligence, integrity, quiet strength, and perfectly timed humor. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and Pop-Pop, and a loyal friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

There will be no services. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of RVNA Hospice for the kindness and care they provided during Marty’s final weeks.