Kenneth Edward Wagner

Captain Kenneth E. Wagner (USCG Ret.), age 86, passed away on May 16, 2026 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne B. (Goodwin) Wagner, also of Portsmouth, RI, and daughters Karen B. Anderson (Bar Harbor, ME) and Gail H. Wagner (Swansea, MA), as well as grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ken was born in Jeffersonville, IN to Joseph E. and Jane (Stringe) Wagner, and spent his childhood there and in Aiken, SC. Following high school Ken entered the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT where he met his future bride Anne, a student at Connecticut College. Upon his graduation with the Class of '61, Ken and Anne married and moved to his first duty station in Honolulu, HI. He continued in the Coast Guard until his retirement in 1985. Ken held Masters degrees in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and his engineering skills were instrumental in supporting the Coast Guard POLAR icebreaker fleet. He directed the maintenance, repair and renovation of all Coast Guard icebreakers, and spearheaded the Industrial Division operations at the USCG YARD in DC/Baltimore. He was also chosen to head the Resident Inspector Office in Newport, RI to oversee construction of "Famous" class cutters. He was awarded commendations for engineering innovations that contributed to significant advancements in icebreaker technology, as well as for leadership and management at the Coast Guard Yard.

Ken had a lifelong interest in aviation, taking his first lessons in 1956. Over the years, he flew both privately and professionally, logging approximately 4800 hours. He was also an Amateur Extra licensed "ham" radio operator (K3IU), participating in local clubs and international competitions and mentoring others as well as operating for his own enjoyment. His curiosity , interests and engineering skills kept him busy tinkering with electronics, computers, cars, engines and gadgets of all kinds. He was also a multi-talented musician who played piano and banjo, among other instruments, and enjoyed jazz, gospel, classic country and church hymns. He always loved a good pun.

Ken was a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather, and known as a good man to all around him. He will be very dearly missed. The family extends thanks to the staff at Newport Hospital and Hope Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 6 at 10:00am at the Portsmouth Historical Society at the corner of East Main and Union in Portsmouth, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seamen's Church Institute, Newport, RI, 02840 (https://www.seamensnewport.org/) or Aquidneck Food Pantry (https://www.aquidneckfoodpantry.org/)