Richard Kenneth Wager, 86, longtime publisher of the Poughkeepsie Journal and a prominent civic leader in the Mid-Hudson Valley, died peacefully at home on December 22, 2025, with his family by his side.

Born on March 7, 1939, in Rhinebeck, N.Y., Mr. Wager was the second of four children to Elmer Kenneth and Agnes Irene (Noonan) Wager. He grew up in Hyde Park and began his lifelong connection to local journalism as a paperboy for the Poughkeepsie New Yorker, the predecessor of the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Mr. Wager graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1960 with a degree in English and served on active duty in the U.S. Army beginning in 1961. He completed paratrooper training at Fort Benning, Georgia (now Fort Moore), served 18 months in South Korea as a platoon leader, and later taught advanced infantry tactics at Fort Polk, Louisiana (now Fort Johnson). He was promoted to captain in the Army Reserve and received an honorable discharge in 1968.

After returning from active duty, Mr. Wager resumed his career at the Poughkeepsie Journal, working as a copy editor, reporter, and government writer before being named city editor and, in 1966, managing editor. In 1977, he became publisher at age 38. He was later named vice president of Gannett East and then president of Gannett Atlantic.

During his leadership, the Journal modernized its newsroom and printing operations, and earned numerous state and national reporting awards. Mr. Wager was known for championing public-service journalism, promoting newsroom diversity, and upholding high ethical standards. He served as president of the New York News Publishers Association and as a trustee of the New York Newspapers Foundation.

In addition to his journalism career, Mr. Wager was active in numerous community organizations throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley. He served on the boards of the Boy Scouts of America regional council, the Youth Resource Development Corporation, the former Neighborhood Service Organization, St. Francis Hospital, and the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, which operates the Dutchess County Fair. He was a trustee of Marist College for over 20 years as well as serving in numerous leadership positions for the United Way.

Deeply committed to helping those in need, Mr. Wager helped found Hudson River Housing and the Gannett House to provide emergency shelter and meals for homeless families. He was instrumental in supporting and advocating for the Hudson River Valley Greenway legislation and served on the Greenway Conservancy.

Mr. Wager was the recipient of many civic honors, including the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal (1988), the B'nai B'rith Americanism Award (1991), the Poughkeepsie Rotary Club Service Above Self Award (1998), the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award (2002), and the Dutchess County Historical Society Dutchess Award. The Catharine Street Community Center continues to award the Richard K. Wager Inclusive Champion Award annually at the organization's MLK JR. Breakfast

Mr. Wager retired from the Journal in 2004. In retirement, he pursued his interest in history and wrote a historical novel, Forest in Flames. He also remained deeply connected to the Hudson River and the Hyde Park community, where he lived his entire life.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ellen (Clarkson) Wager; his daughters, Katherine Mazzella (John Mazzella) of Madison, N.J., Patricia Wager (Michael Spinelli) of Sea Cliff, N.Y., and Sarah Rice (Brett Rice) of Somerville, Mass.; and his son, Richard Wager (Margaret Johnson Wager) of Verona, N.J. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Anthony Mazzella, Amy Mazzella, Elizabeth Wager, Scott Wager, Matthew Wager, Emma Rice, and Owen Rice.

He is further survived by his sister, Patricia Weber of Richmond, VA, and his brother, Kenneth Wager of Pleasant Valley, N.Y. He was predeceased by his brother, James Wager, of Florida.

He is also survived by a beloved family friend and caregiver, Jeanine Armbrust, whose kindness and care meant so much to him and to the family.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 PM, Monday December 29th at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

Funeral services will take place at 10 AM, Tuesday December 30th at St. James' Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. Rev. Meredith Kadet Sanderson will officiate.

Burial with military honors will follow in St. James' Churchyard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Mr. Wager's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.