Father Robert F. Wagner, the founder and long-time director of the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults, commonly known as Jericho , passed away at his residence on December 2 at the age of 72.

Fr. Wagner was ordained at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Springfield , Massachusetts on January 30, 1960 . During his first assignment at St. Mary’s Parish in Northampton , he began what would be a lifelong ministry to developmentally disabled Catholics and their families. Working with the late Sister of Providence Martha Day and later Sister of St. Joseph Joan Magnani, they began by offering religious education classes, home visitations and other spiritual services at a time when no such resources were available. Fr. Wagner began to network with other Catholics across the country, eventually leading to the creation of the National Apostolate with Mentally Retarded Persons. In 1979, he was honored by that organization with its National Leadership Award. In 1981, the International Year of the Disabled, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the College of Our Lady of the Elms for his lifelong commitment to the developmentally disabled, one of many honors he received over the course of his ministry. In 2003, he retired as the Executive Director of Jericho and its various ministries but remained on as chaplain.

Commenting on Fr. Wagner’s death, Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell stated, “one of the Pioneer Valley ’s true pioneers has gone home to God. Father Wagner had the ability to see beyond any disability, to overcome any handicap and to recognize God’s goodness in everyone. We have suffered the loss of a priest, a pastor, an advocate, and a friend. And all of us will miss him deeply.” Memorial gifts in Fr. Wagner’s memory may be made to Jericho , PO Box 1039 , Holyoke , MA 01041 .