Wayne R. Sager

Wayne R. Sager, 77, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 23, 2026, after heart related complications. 

Born on April 30, 1948, Wayne grew up in Iselin, New Jersey, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Those early relationships were a reflection of something true throughout his life: Wayne deeply valued meaningful connection. He maintained close friendships from childhood and later formed lasting bonds through his professional life, including several close friends he met through his work.

Wayne had a natural gift for connecting with people. He showed genuine curiosity, asked thoughtful questions, and made others feel heard and understood. When he spoke, his words were deliberate and carefully considered, often delivered with warmth, humor, and an easy ability to make people laugh. These qualities made his career as a therapist a perfect fit, and he touched many lives through his work.

Wayne loved sports in all forms—watching them, talking about them, and playing them, especially golf. He also coached his daughter’s softball team, a role he embraced with enthusiasm and pride. Later in life, he took up learning the guitar and fishing. He enjoyed meditation and found purpose in giving back through volunteer work during his retirement.

Wayne was a devoted father to his daughters, Kelly Sager and Kristen Carson, and a loving grandfather who delighted in watching his grandchildren—Pace (9), Metta (7), and Sergio (7)—grow and discover their interests. One of his grandsons remembers him especially for bringing treats, sharing chips and salsa, and fist pumps. He is also survived by Kelly’s husband, Gustavo Garcia; Kristen’s husband, Mike Carson; and MaryAnn Torok Sager, his former wife and the mother of his children. 

Wayne shared a deeply loving relationship with his partner, Constance Martucci, “Connie,” whom he met through volunteer work. She stood faithfully by his side throughout his final days and nights in the hospital. She spoke often of loving his soul and feeling incredibly lucky to have shared life with him.

Standing tall at 6’4”, Wayne was known for his physical presence and for his sense of humor, including a playful celebration of his “Height Day” every June 4th. He spent his winters in Florida and summers in New Jersey, enjoying time with family, friends, and many trips to Atlantic City.

Wayne’s legacy lives on in the many friendships he cherished, people he touched through his time as a therapist, and in the love he gave to his family. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

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