It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Neil Robert Wagner on October 18, 2023, after a three-and-a-half-year battle to glioblastoma brain cancer.

Neil was born on September 16, 1963, in Lafayette, IN to the late Edward F. Wagner and Barbara E. Wagner. On June 11, 1994, he married Theresa Vianco at St. Boniface Catholic Church. He attended William Henry Harrison High School and graduated from Purdue University in 1991. After 5 years as the Lafayette Catholic School’s Physical Education Teacher, he went on to have a successful career as the football coach and Athletic Director at Culver High School before returning home to West Lafayette as Harrison High School’s Head Football Coach. He went back to Purdue University to earn his Masters’ Degree in Higher Education in 2008 before becoming Lafayette Central Catholic’s Assistant Principal. He later became Principal in 2015 and cherished his 15 years with the Central Catholic Community.

Along with his wife, Theresa (Tracie) Wagner, survivors include his two children, Timothy and Bethany Wagner of West Lafayette; his mother, Barbara Wagner of Lafayette; his sisters, Ann Wagner of Lafayette, Becky Rollett of Pittsboro, Mary Beth Wagner of Indianapolis, and Jeanna (Doug) Blackburn of Lafayette; his brother, Ted (Susan) Wagner of New Albany; his sisters-in-law Brenda Garza and Tricia (Tom) Lathrop; and his father-in-law, Jerry Vianco. Also surviving are his 19 nieces and nephews, and countless friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward F. Wagner; his mother-in-law, Sharon Vianco; and his brother-in-law, Daniel Garza.

Neil enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, listening to country music, and watching sports. He was often seen on the sidelines of multiple high school sports games, attending Purdue football and basketball games, and on his couch for Sunday night football to cheer on the Chicago Bears. Neil was a friend to all. Knowing no stranger, he thrived in his leadership roles as coach and principal. Best known for his sense of humor, he will be remembered for his punch lines and funny storytelling.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Central Catholic High School, 2410 S 9th St, Lafayette, IN 47909. The service will take place at 11:00am on Monday, October 23, 2023, with a praying of the Rosary at 10:15am at The Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 2224 Sacramento Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906.

Memorial contributions may be made in Neil’s name to the Lafayette Catholic School System.