Robert L. Waite

Robert L. Waite, 92, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023 at the Vermont Veterans’ Home in Bennington, VT with his daughters Diane and Sandy at his side. Born in Bennington on January 6, 1931 to parents Fred L. Waite and Laura (Greenwood) Waite, Robert (Bob) was the youngest of 6 children. Bob played football and baseball in high school and after graduation, served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. After he left active service as a Sergeant, he went to work for Grand Union supermarket in Bennington, where he met and married Germaine Desbiens. He was transferred to the Wilmington, VT store as manager and then to the Hoosick Falls store. He decided to change careers to car sales in the late 1960’s and worked at local dealerships in Hoosick Falls and Bennington. His final career was at Super Shoes in Bennington, where he continued to work as a trusted employee until the age of 85. Bob loved sports, especially baseball and football. He played golf and was especially good at miniature golf, which was a favorite family outing. He followed the NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. He also attended the 2008 World Series game in which the Phillies won. His favorite football teams were the NY Giants and later the Philadelphia Eagles. Music was a source of relaxation. He loved all kinds, from the oldies to current popular music. Bob was also a voracious reader of newspapers and magazines, and in later life learned to do all of that with an iPad. However, Bob will mostly be remembered for his sweet smile, even disposition, and kindness. He found happiness in the simple beauties of life, whether it was a sunny day or time spent with family and friends such as neighbors Kerry and Mary Ryan and Karen Goodhue. Bob is survived by daughter Diane and son-in-law John Pettinelli of Media PA, daughter Sandy and son-in-law Larry Bardenett of Media PA, son Tom and daughter-in-law Terri Waite of London, UK; grandchildren Elisabeth Bardenett, Dennis Bardenett, and Thomas Bardenett, Laura (Johnathan Pryor) Pettinelli, John (Kataii) Pettinelli, Joseph (Eva Basilio Garcia) Pettinelli, Christine Waite, Stefanie Waite, Sarah Waite, and Alison Waite; step-grandchildren Danyell Wilson, Felicia Shea Faulkner, and Brianna Jonovitch; great-grandchildren John R Pettinelli II and Sofia Pettinelli Pryor. He is also survived by special nieces Rosemary Valentine, Jeannie Mook and Jayne Outwater, in addition to other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his sisters Frances Lewis, Elizabeth Strom, Evelyn Cufari, and Jane Latif, as well as his brother Joseph Waite and his son Fred Waite. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, October 2nd from 10 am to 11 am at Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington, Vermont. Following the conclusion of visitation, a brief prayer service will be offered. There will be a funeral procession to Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church. The mass of the resurrection celebrated for Robert will begin at 11:30 am. After the conclusion of the mass, there will be a procession to Park Lawn Cemetery, where the graveside committal prayers and military honors will be offered. Contributions in Robert’s memory may be made directly to His Pantry at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church at 238 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201 - or to an animal charity of choice.