Wilfred “Chip” Vashni Warner Jr of Saco, Me., passed from this life on September 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. 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, Me. 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, Benjamin H. Warner (Claudia Allen) of Emmaus, Penn., and Susan A. Warner of Sandy Hook; nephews Seth B. Warner (Maxélle Neufville) of Manchester, Conn., Nolan B.A. Warner of East Greenville, Penn., and William M.A. Warner of Emmaus, Penn.; 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 rooftop 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.

Family asks that any donations in Chip’s name be made to The Trevor Project — Attention Development, PO Box 69232, West Hollywood CA 90069, or The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook ME 04098. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street in Augusta, Me. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting plummerfh.com.

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