David A. Wagus

David A. Wagus, 79, of Latrobe (Unity Twp.), passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at home. Dave “Peachy” Wagus, was born in Pittsburgh on October 19, 1946, the second son of the late Harmon and Louise (Hopkins) Wagus, and a stepson of the late Steven Herda. He grew up in the Swede Hill area of Greensburg, graduating from Hempfield High School in 1964 where he was active in the school band and Historian Club. Dave joined the U.S. Navy in October 1964 and served as an Air Traffic Controlman in Catania, Sicily (NAF Sigonella). After being Honorably discharged in October 1967, he settled in Pittsburgh where he began his career as a computer programmer at J&L Steel Co. He married the former Sandy Bissell in May 1970. They moved to State College in 1973, Where he worked for Cerro Manufacturing. When Cerro left the area, they returned back to this area to settle in Latrobe where Dave went to work for Latrobe Steel, eventually becoming a Systems Analyst and retiring after more than 30 years of service. He graduated from Saint Vincent college with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science in 1984. Dave was a Cub Scout leader for five years with Pack #301 and was active for a total of 15 years with the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Boy Scouts of America. He was also an advisor for three years with Junior Achievement. In 1978 he joined the Thomas B. Anderson American Legion Post #515. He became involved with the Latrobe American Legion Baseball Program through his friend RD Frye and stayed with the program for more than 25 years. He served as Vice President, and Commissioner of District #31 Westmoreland County American Legion Baseball (both 1992-1993), Post #515 American Legion’s baseball manager (and waterboy), and Past Commander of Thomas B. Anderson American Legion Post #515, twice. In 1994, he was honored with a lifetime membership to the American Legion. In 1992, he joined the Free & Accepted Masons where he served as Worshipful Master of Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 (to date, the only member in the history of the Lodge to hold this position four times). He was also Eminent Commander of Kedron Commandry #18, and President of Royal Rangers of Westmoreland Forest #77. Dave was also a long-time member of the Latrobe VFW Post #3414, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Arie #0118. After retiring from Latrobe Steel, he kept busy for a few years as a custodian for Latrobe Presbyterian Church and Unity Chapel until the onset of dementia and the pandemic forced him to retire permanently. In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his older brother Carl (Carroll). He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, his three sons, David, Tim (Megan), Joe (Kim); sisters, Marji Wagus Miller, Karen Herda Stiteler; his brother, S. Wesley Herda (Debbie); a sister-in-law, Dot Moninger and his six grandchildren (who he affectionately called all “George”) Tyler, Abby, Nathan, Joshua, Sam, and Eleanor; several nieces and nephews; and his fur baby, Sadie. Family and friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650. Members of Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 Free & Accepted Masons will conduct a Masonic Funeral Service in the funeral home at 4:30 p.m. Veteran’s honors will be conducted by the Latrobe-Derry Veteran’s Honors Group in the funeral home at 4:45 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Derek Campbell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or Dementia Society of America. To send condolences, please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.