Beloved former Central Catholic principal Neil Wagner loses three-year fight with cancer

Noe Padilla, Lafayette Journal & Courier
·3 min read

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Neil Wagner, the former principal of Central Catholic, who dedicated over 15 years of his life to the Lafayette Catholic School system, has died, according to a post published by the Central Catholic Jr. – Sr. High School Facebook page.

Wagner passed away on Oct. 18, 2023, after a three-and-a-half-year battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer, according to his obituary.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, Wagner served as the principal of Central Catholic Jr. – Sr. High School from 2015 to 2020, as well as the high school’s assistant principal from 2009-2015.

“When I took the position of Central Catholic’s Assistant Principal, I realized I had been missing out on something and that was the chance to be with the Lord each and every day,” Wagner wrote in his Knights to Remember webpage.

Waiting for a new desk to arrive in his office, Principal Neil Wagner prepares for the start of classes Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School. Classes begin August 16, but teachers will arrive earlier to prepare their classrooms. The Lafayette Diocese, which includes Central Catholic, requires background checks of its employees every three years.

Wagner was named Central Catholic’s 2021 Knight to Remember, which is one of the highest honors the Lafayette Catholic School system can offer to its alumni, former teachers, staff and administrators.

Wagner graduated from Harrison High School in 1982 and from Purdue University in 1991. He then pursued a career as a teacher and then as a football coach before joining the Central Catholic administration staff.

He was an assistant football coach for eight years at McCutcheon before becoming the head coach at Culver Community. Wagner coached Culver for five years, winning two sectional championships before being named head football coach at his alma mater Harrison, coaching the Raiders for five seasons.

“During his time as assistant principal and then principal at Central Catholic, Neil was vital to helping to continue the growth of the school system through several initiatives including technology integration. Becoming a 1:1 school required training for students and staff alike, which Neil made a priority. Today, no one can imagine a school day without the use of computers in the classroom,” reads Wagner’s Knights to Remember webpage.

“Neil has been a true blessing to the students and staff at Central Catholic. He has always encouraged the students and pushed them to be their best. He exudes the Catholic faith with his love and compassion and willingness to take time to simply talk to someone on a one-on-one basis despite his busy schedule.”

Visitation for Wagner will be from 5– 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Central Catholic High School. Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, with a praying of the Rosary at 10:15 a.m. at The Church of the Blessed Sacrament, according to his obituary.

“Neil enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, listening to country music, and watching sports. He was often seen on the sidelines of multiple high school sports games, attending Purdue football and basketball games, and on his couch for Sunday night football to cheer on the Chicago Bears,” his obituary reads.

“Neil was a friend to all. Knowing no stranger, he thrived in his leadership roles as coach and principal. Best known for his sense of humor, he will be remembered for his punch lines and funny storytelling.”

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Beloved former Central Catholic principal Neil Wagner has died