Robert Waidley

Robert W. Waidley, age 74, of Millcreek, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. Vincent Health Center after a long courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born in Erie on February 10, 1939 and was the son of the late Earle and Dorothy Webster Waidley.

Bob graduated from McDowell High School in 1957 and attended Grove City College. He was a realtor for Coldwell Banker for more than 35 years, starting in residential and moving to commercial. He taught real estate classes at Penn State Behrend and Gannon University.

He was very active in his church, Westminster Presbyterian. He had a passion for jazz music and playing the trumpet and was a member of the American Federation of Musicians in the 50s-60s and several local jazz bands throughout his life. And if he didn't get enough jazz while playing, he was often seen attending jazz concerts with his wife Marlene. He was a member of Perry Keystone Lodge No. 392 F.&A.M, Kiwanis, Presque Isle Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Erie Realty Association. Robert also loved flying small airplanes.

Bob was well known in the community. He was a loving, selfless, and compassionate person. He and his wife volunteered monthly at the Emmaus soup kitchen and on every Thanksgiving.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene Helmbold Wilson Waidley; three children, Renee (Frank) Johntony, Michael (Pilar) Brentari and Catherine C. (Keith) Studley and four step-children, Therese W. (Edward) Andersen, Phyllis Atwood Wilson, Richard C. (Bernadette) Wilson, and John Knox (Sarah) Wilson. He is further survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister Joan Kelly, several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) on Thursday, May 16th from 2 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm. A Celebration of Life service for Bob will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3642 West 26th Street, Friday, May 17th at 11:00 am, conducted by Rev. John W. Dyke and assisted by Rev. Halden Curtiss. Perry Keystone Lodge No. 392 F.&A.M will conduct Masonic services at the funeral home on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3642 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506 or a charity of one's choice.