BROWNVILLE – Gerald E. Wagg, a 22-year United States Navy cook and former town manager, died in his sleep Wednesday at the age of 70.

A native of Auburn, Wagg graduated in 1947 from Edward Little High School and entered the Navy a short time later. He served as a submarine cook for eight years and spent most of his time on the East Coast.

Wagg was discharged from the Navy as a senior chief petty officer in 1973 and became the owner and operator of Jerry’s Restaurant in Lisbon Falls. He sold the business two years later and moved to Cornville to work on a tree farm he had purchased earlier.

After serving seven years as Cornville’s fire chief, Wagg entered town politics in 1980, serving as the town’s first selectman, town administrator and tax assessor.

Wagg went on to serve as town manager and later, tax assessor, for the town of Brownville. Wagg supervised two private water districts in Brownville as well as the six-year installation of the town’s sewer system.

Ruth Heath, a friend with whom Wagg often played cards, said the town probably saved a good deal of money through his work.

“He was a very smart man – always very money conscious,” Heath said.

Richard Sawtell of Brownville had similar impressions. He worked for the town for 22 years and Wagg was his supervisor when Sawtell served as highway foreman and sewer plant operator.

“Gerry was one of the best bosses I’ve ever had and probably one of the best managers the town has had,” Sawtell said Thursday. “He was always real caring.”

Beyond his contributions to the community, Wagg is remembered by many as a man of great humor.

When asked by the Bangor Daily News about his plans following retirement in 1994, Wagg replied, “Oh, I’ll probably grow a pony tail and get my ears pierced.

“I really haven’t got any plans right now,” he laughed.

Wagg is survived by Caryl (Lyon) Wagg, his wife of 47 years, five children and 11 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the Brownville Community Church. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may send them to the Brownville Free Public Library.