LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Julian Wager, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplified the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor served to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Astoria community activist and business leader, Julian
(Julie) Wager, died Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Astoria, New York, Julian Wager was a man
of great integrity who throughout his lifetime continually demonstrated
an unwavering enthusiasm and love for his community, city, state and
country; and
WHEREAS, Julian Wager attended P.S. 6 on Steinway Street, and gradu-
ated from W.C. Bryant High School in 1946; he then attended and gradu-
ated from The City College of New York (CCNY); and
WHEREAS, After graduating, Julian Wager entered the family business, a
lingerie company, Genius and Chic Corsets, located at 31-19 Steinway
Street and 30-79 Steinway Street; and
WHEREAS, Julian Wager successfully managed Genius and Chic Corsets for
40 years; upon his retirement in 1991, he embarked on a new career as
the advertising director for the WESTERN QUEENS GAZETTE; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Julian Wager was called
upon to contribute his time and talents to countless endeavors and
always gave of himself unstintingly to any issue affecting his communi-
ty, his borough or the economic health and future of any business; and
WHEREAS, Julian Wager was the president of the Steinway Street
Merchants Association, which included business owners in one of the
largest local shopping areas in Queens and New York City; he led this
influential group and its successor organization, the Steinway Business
Improvement District, for close to half a century; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Julian Wager founded and served as president of
the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC); this illustri-
ous organization sponsored the local area Independence Day celebration
and the popular summer Waterfront Concert Series; and
WHEREAS, Another of the seemingly indefatigable activist's involve-
ments was as a member of Community Board 1, which covers Astoria; over a
30-year period, Julian Wager was chairman of the Board 1 Industrial,
Commercial, Cable Television, Communications and Economic Development
Committee; and
WHEREAS, Julian Wager also served on the board of directors of the
Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens; was a board
member of A Way Out, an addiction treatment organization; treasurer of
the Walter Kaner Children's Foundation, founded by the late LONG ISLAND
PRESS columnist, and a member of the Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis;
and
WHEREAS, Julian Wager was a man of determination and perseverance, and
this was never more evident than when he suffered a spinal cord injury
about 10 years ago that left him a paraplegic and subject to sometimes
excruciating pain; and
WHEREAS, However, despite his inability to move about freely, he never
lost his love for life nor his interest in what was going on around him;
he never complained about his ailments and they never took away his
sense of humor; and
WHEREAS, In his later years, Julian Wager worked tirelessly as an
advocate for those with disabilities, making the public aware of the

fact that individuals with disabilities are no different than anyone
else and deserve equal treatment; and
WHEREAS, A man of great faith, Julian Wager was a devoted member of
the Astoria Center of Israel synagogue, where he had worshipped all of
his life and at one time served as its president; and
WHEREAS, Known by many as Mr. Steinway Street, Julian Wager was the
spirit and drive of Central Astoria; determined, innovative, and
passionate, he was a mentor to many, sometimes with wit, sometimes with
sarcasm, but always with love, he motivated people for the good of the
community; Astoria is a better place for having had him in its midst and
its residents will forever endeavor to follow in his footsteps; and
WHEREAS, Julian Wager is survived by his six daughters, Lisa A. Bian-
chi, Christine Kwarren, Laurie Wager, Stacey Wager-Pacuk, Adrian Wager-
Zito and Jody Wager, as well as his nine grandchildren, his brother,
Stanley, and several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Julian Wager leaves behind
a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Julian Wager, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Julian Wager.