Edward Thomas Wagner III, 62

Edward Thomas Wagner III, supportive husband to Marla Cooper, devoted father and hero to Jamie Debole (Eric) and Sarah Montez and 38-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), died suddenly Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, at the age of 62.

Ed was a man of strong convictions who loved his family, his job and his country. Known to many of his friends as ”the big guy,” his impact on those whose paths crossed his was as big as he was in stature—the hole he leaves in the lives of everyone who loved him is even bigger.

Ed was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Edward Jr., a World War II veteran, and his wife Jane. Raised with his sister Kim in Newtown Square, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, he was a mischievous child who honed his interests as he grew into an admitted autodidact, fascinated with all things technological, mechanical and science-fictional. Ed earned his private pilot license and owned helicopters and planes over the years. He was known as a sci-fi movie/TV series/book connoisseur to many and the go-to IT and HVAC resource to many more.

After graduating from York College of Pennsylvania, Ed joined the BPD in 1978 and served proudly alongside his brothers until he died. During his revered career, he held several positions throughout the department and consulted with criminal justice organizations across the country. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #3 for many years, and was proud to liaise between the FOP, Baltimore Retired Police Benevolent Association and BPD to implement the department’s Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) program in 2013.

May the force be with you, Ed.

A memorial service for Ed Thomas Wagner III was held at noon Monday, Jan. 4, at the LDS Chapel located at 1400 Dulaney Valley Road, Lutherville, MD 21093 with interment following at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens located at 200 E. Padonia Road, Lutherville, MD 21093.

A visitation service was held in advance at the LDS Chapel from 5-8 p.m. Sunday evening.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 Distress Fund, made payable by PayPal at www.fop3.org or by check to 3920 Buena Vista Ave., Baltimore, MD 21211.

—Submitted by Marla Wagner

Sign the digital guest book hosted by Schimunek Funeral Home of Perry Hall.