Our Heritage
A story at Queen and Perry Streets.
From a furniture store and undertaking work in 1846 to today’s Wagg Funeral Home, this history is inseparable from Port Perry.
Continuity and community
More than a sequence of names.
The McDermott-Panabaker Chapel and the funeral home around it reflect generations of work by the Davis, Letcher, McDermott, Panabaker, Wagg and O’Riordan families. Each chapter brought change, while the purpose remained centred on care for local families.
The dates and details below are drawn from Wagg’s existing public history.
1846John W. Davis purchased the property at the southwest corner of Queen and Perry Streets, built a furniture store and also served as one of the town’s undertakers.
John W. Davis purchased the property at the southwest corner of Queen and Perry Streets, built a furniture store and also served as one of the town’s undertakers.
1901William Henry Letcher purchased the business from the Davis family. It later passed to his son, Merle.
William Henry Letcher purchased the business from the Davis family. It later passed to his son, Merle.
1934Merle Letcher sold the business to Archie McDermott.
Merle Letcher sold the business to Archie McDermott.
1946–1960Art Panabaker came to Port Perry in 1946. A chapel and casket room were added in 1951; Panabaker became a partner in 1955; Grant McDermott acquired his father’s share in 1960.
Art Panabaker came to Port Perry in 1946. A chapel and casket room were added in 1951; Panabaker became a partner in 1955; Grant McDermott acquired his father’s share in 1960.
1981Harold Wagg purchased the business from Grant McDermott and Art Panabaker.
Harold Wagg purchased the business from Grant McDermott and Art Panabaker.
1990Myles O’Riordan purchased Wagg Funeral Home on August 1.
Myles O’Riordan purchased Wagg Funeral Home on August 1.
1997A major expansion added a new chapel and included extensive interior renovations.
A major expansion added a new chapel and included extensive interior renovations.
2015In November, Myles purchased the Thorne Funeral Homes in Cannington and Sunderland from John Thorne.
In November, Myles purchased the Thorne Funeral Homes in Cannington and Sunderland from John Thorne.
The story continues
A historic place with a present-day purpose.
Today, Myles O’Riordan and the Wagg team continue to serve from the Port Perry funeral home while also operating and managing the Thorne facilities in Cannington and Sunderland.
Available by phone 24/7
We are here when you need us.
For immediate assistance, call Wagg Funeral Home. For planning or general questions, send a non-urgent message.
