Gianpaolo "Paul" Wagner Obituary (1947

Gianpaolo "Paul" Wagner ROY - Mr. Gianpaolo ("Paul") Wagner, left us to early and returned to the holy kingdom of Our Father on Monday, September 16, 2013 at Davis Hospital & Medical Center in Layton, UT. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Paul was born on December 2, 1947 in Via Reggio Lucca, Italy, and instantly was the center of his mother Ms Rosa Rodin's life. He was a man for all seasons- kind, courageous, wise, and strong. He possessed a deep and vigorous love of God, family, service, charity and adventure. Through his stepfather, Sgt. George Wagner, he learned the pride of service and developed a profound appreciation of travel, languages, and cultures. Following his warrior's heart, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1965 and served with honor and distinction in Vietnam, rising above dangerous and uncertain situations with humility, courage and strength that inspired so many of his fellow soldiers. He rose through the ranks to become an expertly skilled, highly decorated, and widely respected non-commissioned officer in both the vehicle mechanics and military police career specialties. Paul retired from the Army in August 1985, but with his boundless energy and dedication to service, he didn'ta"he couldn't-stop there. His military career had brought him to Fort Ord, California to meet the person who would make him whole. He won the heart of his soul mate, Maria, and they married on June 15, 1991 in Monterey, CA, laying the foundation of his most treasured legacya"his loving family. Ever the dedicated patriot, he then joined the U.S. government civil service in January 1988. Paul served with unparalleled excellence for almost 26 years in a variety of positions and places worldwide, including Europe and his beloved Italy, where he exercised his fluency in Italian and many other languages. His travels and assignments brought him to Hill Air Force Base, UT, twice, where he set the highest standards in service, notably in security and anti-terrorism management. Throughout his life, Paul remained steadfast in his Roman Catholic faith, participating in his community with the same energy and dedication he displayed in his professional careers. He attained the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus and supported numerous special events and occasions in the United States and in countries across the globe. With his endless wisdom, energy, compassion, good humor, and dedication to service, Paul indelibly touched the lives of every person he met. He was a great friend, mentor, leader, and father figure, and through his deep love and appreciation of life, he created life-long friends around the world and left his unique mark of spirituality, optimism, and accomplishment everywhere he went. Paul is preceded in death by, and is reunited with, his stepfather Sgt (retired) George Wagner, Ms Giulia Gentile, Ms Theresa Knickerbocker, Ms Leonora Gebelein, Mr Patrick Gentile, and Mr Jack Knickerbocker. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Maria, his sons JohnPaul Wagner, Frederick A. Heimstra, III, John C. Heimstra, and Andrew P. Heimstra, his mother Ms Rosa Rodin Wagner, his sister Martha ("Kitty") Moss, his brothers-in-law Richard Gebelein, Nicholas Gentile, and Liberty Gentile, and his pride and joy, his seven grandchildren Frederick A. Heimstra, IV, Destiny Gomes, Makray Joseph, Andrew M. Heimstra, Aspen R. Heimstra, Lexie Ann Wagner, and Abegail Wagner. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 4050 S. 3900 W., West Haven, UT, during Mass. In lieu of flowers, it is Paul's wish that we continue his charitable work by contributing to USO, the Knights of Columbus-Utah, the Fisher House of Salt Lake City, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements under the direction of Myers Roy Mortuary. ServiceSt. Mary's Catholic Church 4050 South 3900 West West Haven, UT September 21, 2013 12:00 PM