Richard Max Wagner

Freeport, Maine – Richard Max Wagner, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Brunswick, Maine, surrounded by the love of family and lifelong friends. The son of Harold Wagner and Alice (Derosier) Wagner, Richard was born in Boston and lived the majority of his life in Freeport, Maine, graduating from Freeport High School in 1959. After graduation, Richard worked for a short time alongside his stepfather William Briggs as a hand sewer in a local shoe factory before enlisting in the U.S. Army. During his military service, Richard was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Fort Irwin, California, and South Korea. He loved his time in the military and greatly enjoyed talking about that exciting part of his life. Earning the rank of sergeant, he was asked by higher-ups to make the Army his career, but he knew his mother needed his help back in Freeport running the family business, Derosier’s Market. He was honorably discharged in the early 1960s and returned home. As the fourth-generation owner of Derosier’s, Richard was a cornerstone of the Freeport community, running the store for over 30 years. He could be found behind the counter of Derosier’s seven days a week (except during Patriots football season!). From his well-frequented Main Street business, Richard witnessed firsthand the transformation of downtown Freeport from a sleepy mill town into a bustling vacation destination. In 1967, Richard married Catherine Simpson and together they built a life in Freeport, raising their two sons. He was deeply involved in the community and active in numerous local groups, including serving as President of the Freeport Lions Club. Shortly after retirement, he was asked if he would miss working; he replied “I don’t miss the work a bit, but I certainly do miss seeing all the people every day.” In retirement he kept himself busy volunteering at the Freeport Community Services food pantry and as a poll worker at every election, always eager to catch up with friends and neighbors. Richard was deeply appreciative of the many friends and family who visited him in his final months; coming from a self-described “long line of story-tellers,” he truly enjoyed the opportunity to take his family and friends on a trip down memory lane, breaking out one of his many stories (some of which not all-ages suitable!). Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Catherine. He is survived by his sons, Samuel Wagner and his wife, Angela, of Gray, Philip Wagner and his wife, Pamela, of Freeport, and his cherished grandchildren, Alexandra and Benjamin Wagner of Freeport. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Freeport Harraseeket Grange #9, 13 Elm St, Freeport, ME. All are welcome to join in honoring his memory. In lieu of flowers, please send the Patriots a decent left tackle. Alternatively, donations may be made in Richard’s name to Freeport Community Services at fcsmaine.org or at PO Box 119, Freeport, Maine 04032.

Richard Max Wagner

August 23, 1941 - March 13, 2025

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