Paying Tribute to Richard J. Wagner

Many people have been asking my parents where they can make donations, so they have decided to have me make this account for them and are very grateful and very appreciative for any donations they receive.
          My brother Richard J. Wagner passed in his sleep on March 20, 2020, from what they think was flu type A. He was a healthy 39 year old with no underlying conditions so this hit our family hard, fast, like a ton of bricks and during the worst time possible. Having a very loved family member pass during a pandemic is one of the most heart wrenching things to go through. Not only could our family not be there for one another due to social distancing but we could not have a proper funeral to say goodbye. We were limited to only 10 people for the showing, only immediate family and no services what so ever. Extended family, friends, co workers , etc. were also not allowed to say goodbye. This made everything so much harder and heart breaking.
              Richie was such a light in everyone’s lives. He knew how to lighten up the room and make everyone laugh. Not only was he one of the funniest people I ever knew but he was also there for everyone with a listening ear, deep insight and meaningful conversation. He will be forever loved and missed by every soul he touched with his light.
             One of the things I always admired about him was that he was an amazing single father. He loved his girls Raygn and Jaida so much and they were his pride and joy. Every time he spoke about them his face would light up with his amazing smile. He did everything in his power to make sure he always did the best he could to provide for them. He always went above and beyond.  He will forever in my eyes be a super dad.
              Richie was one of 6 children. He was a twin to our older sister Jackie. They were together since day one. Being Twin B with her Twin A was always something he was known for and took pride in. He was also the older brother to myself, and my three younger brothers Cody, Robert and Bryce. He was always someone we looked up to and admired. He was always there for us growing up and always looked out for us. He will always be a huge piece missing in our sibling pack.
               Our parents lost their oldest son. Not only is losing a child one of the worst pains a parent can go through but this happened during a pandemic and they took on responsibility of his youngest daughter. They have been through so much within the past couple weeks and they had to do it all alone due to social distancing restrictions.
               Rich worked at Lords as a parts inspector and took great pride being the union president. He was a great leader, always stuck up for the underdog and was loved and respected by many employees.
               He was very dearly  loved by many, many friends over the years and had such an impact on so many lives! He will be missed by so many!
              Any donations received will go directly to my parents for funeral expenses that my dad took on by himself, transitioning Richies 8 year old daughter to her new living situation and anything left over will be set aside for a memorial down the road after the quarantine is over. Richie deserves a last big get together with all friends, family and loved ones to say last goodbyes. ❤️