Dolores P. Wargo, Longtime Shippensburg Resident, Dies at 86

Wargo was a member of the Shippensburg Church of Christ and active in the local fire department.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:35pm

Dolores P. Wargo, a longtime resident of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 20, 2026 at the age of 86. Wargo was a 1959 graduate of Shippensburg Area Senior High School and a member of the Shippensburg Church of Christ. She worked various jobs in the community, including as a noon aide at local elementary schools, and was an active member of the Vigilant Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary, serving as a charter member, past president, and trustee.

Why it matters

Wargo's passing marks the end of an era for the Shippensburg community, as she was a fixture in the town for decades, involved in the local fire department and schools. Her commitment to public service and community engagement set an example for others in the area.

The details

Wargo worked a variety of jobs over the years, including at Carothers & Hoffman, G.C. Murphy, Nettie Fox, and as a noon aide at James Burd and Nancy Grayson Elementary Schools. She was the first active woman to join the Vigilant Hose Company, where she was a member for 48 years and served in leadership roles such as charter member, past president, and trustee. Wargo was also involved with the Cumberland Valley Hose Company, the Cumberland County Fireman's Association, the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association, the Vigilant Hose Company Fire Police, the Cumberland County Fire Police, and the State Fire Police Association.

  • Dolores P. Wargo passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Wargo was born on Thursday, August 3, 1939 in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
  • Wargo graduated from Shippensburg Area Senior High School in 1959.
  • Wargo joined the Vigilant Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary in 1978 and was a member for 48 years.

The players

Dolores P. Wargo

A longtime resident of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania who passed away at the age of 86. Wargo was a 1959 graduate of Shippensburg Area Senior High School and a member of the Shippensburg Church of Christ. She was an active member of the local fire department, serving in various leadership roles with the Vigilant Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Harry Hockenberry

Dolores Wargo's late father.

Margaret A. Bigler Smith

Dolores Wargo's late mother.

Charles W. Smith

Dolores Wargo's late stepfather.

Elizabeth F. Robinson

Dolores Wargo's daughter.

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The takeaway

Dolores Wargo's passing marks the end of an era in Shippensburg, as she was a dedicated community member who served the town in various capacities for decades. Her commitment to public service and involvement in the local fire department set an example for others and will be missed.