Obituary of Peter Wagner

Peter J. Wagner, a longtime Lockport business owner died unexpectedly Wednesday in Eastern Niagara Hospital, Lockport after a brief illness. Peter was born in Buffalo, the son of Joseph and Leanore (Getz) Wagner. He was married for 51 years to Shirley J. (Odle) whom he met when they both attended Buffalo State College. Just like his father before him, Pete opened his own business Ace Auto Trim, at the age of 19 in Buffalo. He moved to Lockport in 1964, where he founded Pete's Auto Trim, a business he ran successfully until his death. He also was a talented upholster drawing business from across the area, recognized for his skill and speed. Throughout the year you would often find him working late into the night on a car seat or a sofa, and in the summers he would be out on the lake, repairing canvas boat covers. A true car lover, he expanded his business into car sales, enjoying the chance to go to the auction and make a good deal. He enjoyed auctions and flea markets of all types, hunting for a good bargain and then selling his latest find. "He was an excellent salesman, a salesman's salesman," said his son-in-law Michael Lyons. His other hobby was stamp collecting, which also gave him a chance to search for that rare find. He also had a love of history and electronics, building his own computers. He also enjoyed documenting the family history, taking photographs, and just like his father before him, he also had his own dark room. He was also a great father and adored his grandchildren, taking special delight in the antics of the new little ones, said his wife, Shirley. "The term Jack-of-all trades is often overused, but it certainly described my dad," said his daughter Nancy Fischer. "He had a hand in literally a million things and when something broke down you'd say 'Dad can fix it.'". In addition to his daughter, Nancy (Joseph) Fischer of Wilson, he is also survived by two other daughters, Karen (Michael) Lyons of Sanborn; and Julie (Daniel) Banks of Tampa, Fla. Also two sisters, Marlene (Ralph) Guarino of Alden and Illona Raccuia of Depew. Also nine grandchildren, (Lauren and Steven Fischer, Megan, Stephanie, and Kyle Lyons, Tanya (Jeff) Shenk, and Kevin, Kyle and Kaylee Banks;) and three great-grandchildren, (Masy, Wyatt and Teaghan Shenk.) Pete is also survived by one aunt, two nieces, one nephew and several cousins. Friends may call Monday 4-8 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, where prayers will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. Entombment will be in Glenwood Mausoleum. Donations may be made to Niagara Hospice or your local SPCA. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friends may call Monday 4-8 PM <h3>Services</h3> Prayers will be at the funeral home Tuesday morning at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. <h3>Interment</h3> Entombment will be in Glenwood Mausoleum.