ALBANY, N.Y. -- John Wagner loved nothing more than Lark Steet and his tuxedo shop.
“He put in everything into this business and Lark Street," said Matthew Wagner, John Wagner's son.
The elder Wagner died Feb. 5. He was 85.
Wagner was the owner of The Waldorf Tuxedo Company where he attracted high-end customers such as, Lawrence Taylor and Mario Cuomo. His presence was felt on the street when he founded what would eventually be known as the Lark Street Business Improvement District.
“John was an incredible asset to the street and to the neighborhood. He was an incredible leader," said Patrick Noonan, Lark Street BID board president. “And it certainly goes to show you what a tremendous leader he was in not only making his business successful, but the businesses around him.”
Lark Street has become a staple in Albany for its blossoming businesses. Its fixture in the city rose when Wagner helped spur a dressed-down music festival in 1980.
“He really wanted this street and this business to thrive, and that’s something I’m really proud of," said Matthew Wagner.