Wilfred “Chip” Vashni Warner Jr

SACO – Wilfred “Chip” Vashni Warner Jr. of Saco, passed from this life on Sept. 22, 2025. Born in Sarasota, Fla. in 1954, he was the son of the late Wilfred Vashni Warner Sr. and Ruth Babson Warner.

Chip grew up in Wolcott and Newtown, Conn. He settled in Boston and earned his teaching degree there at UMASS. He played in the Boston gay softball league, participating in the Gay Games III and Summer Festival in Vancouver, Canada.

Chip taught in New Hampshire and southern Maine. Before retiring, he was with Biddeford Middle School for 17 years, teaching math and social studies, coaching soccer, and assisting with the drama club. Chip was a life-long NY Mets and UCONN Huskies fan. His love of music extended to singing with the First Parish Church choir in Portland. Like the rest of his family, he loved vacations in Rockport, Mass. and in retirement was enjoying traveling to new places.

In addition to a wide circle of friends and his two beloved cats, Nala and Mikey, he is survived by siblings Frederick “Rick” B. Warner of Southbury, Conn., Benjamin H. Warner (Claudia Allen) of Emmaus, Pa., and Susan A. Warner of Sandy Hook, Conn.; nephews Seth B. Warner (Maxélle Neufville) of Manchester, Conn., Nolan B. A Warner of East Greenville, Pa., William M. A. Warner of Emmaus, Pa., niece Magghie M. Warner of Bisbee, Ariz.; and goddaughters Siobhan Beckett of Towson, Md., and Caitlin Blume of Westminster, Colo.

We are heartened and proud that our brother was so well loved and regarded by so many. His passing is tragic but a greater tragedy nearly happened 50 years ago. Coming to terms with his sexuality Chip sat on his dorm’s roof top contemplating suicide. He found the courage to not jump and to face a hostile world as a gay man. How fortunate for us, family, friends, students, and a string of adopted dogs and cats. His gentle and giving nature will be missed by all.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family will be holding a private seaside ceremony in honor of Chip.

Family asks that any donations in Chip’s name

be made to:

The Trevor Project

Attn: Development

PO Box 69232

West Hollywood, CA 90069 or to:

the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

PO Box 336

Westbrook, ME 04098