He recalled Mr. Wagner's "delightful sense of humor," which he combined with warmth, charm and a caring demeanor.
"He was a big influence on me and a genuine unsung hero in our community who was a guiding force in thousands of young men's lives," Mr. Schmoke said. "He was a truly remarkable man. We are all better off for Mr. Wagner's work."
Because Mr. Wagner knew that the young Mr. Schmoke was interested in public servants, government officials and lawyers, it was a common topic between the two men.
"He had had plenty of them when they were students at City, and he had marvelous stories to tell, but I'm not giving away any names here," Mr. Schmoke said with a laugh.
Mr. Wagner had counseled Benjamin L. Cardin, a member of the City College Class of 1961 who went on to become a U.S. senator.
"I remember with fondest memories my years at City College and the contribution Mr. Wagner made to the school's success in preparing students for college and life," Senator Cardin said. "Mr. Wagner's life represented the slogan 'City Forever.' "
Mr. Wagner worked diligently in making his students' dreams a reality.
Joseph L. DeVitis, who was a member of the Class of 1963, later became a professor at the University of Louisville.
In a message e-mailed to Sol Levinson & Bros. Funeral Home, Dr. DeVitis recalled his experiences passing the Hopkins campus every day on his way to City.
"I would ask myself, 'Who could go to such a place?' It was far from our small family grocery in Fells Point/Little Italy in both locale and wealth," he wrote.
"Thanks to the encouragement of Mr. Wagner and others at City, I was a Blue Jay three years later (with several scholarships, no less). I became a professor of education and human development, a path that likely brought a smile to the face of one of the truly good men I've known in my life," he wrote.
Mr. Wagner was inducted into the City College Hall of Fame in 1991.
From 1947 to 1988, he was head counselor during the summer months at Camp Takajo in Naples, Maine.
Former WJZ newsman Richard Sher met Mr. Wagner when he attended Camp Takajo for the first time in 1949.
"For decades to come, he was a role model for thousands of Takajo campers," Mr. Sher said Friday. "Zip was kind, caring, compassionate, smart, always willing to listen, always fair, instilling in us the values and principles that made him so special.
