Robert Waite

     Robert J. Waite, 70, of Erie, died on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at UPMC Hamot. He was born on June 12, 1947, in Wattsburg, Pa., son of the late Walter and Dorothy Empfield Waite.  A student of the Wattsburg Area School District, he was a truck driver working for Top Rock New Enterprise for 25 years, retiring November 2011. Bob also worked at Kendall Auto Parts, Johnson Nursery, B Long Trucking and Niemeyer Trucking. He enjoyed NASCAR and NHRA racing, and at one time drove race cars at Eriez Speedway and Lucky's Route 8 Drag Strip. Bob was the kind of person that would do anything for anyone. A huge dog lover, he was especially fond of his beloved Sassy. A great father, grandfather and friend to many, he was a wonderful man that will be missed by all who knew him.
     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Linda Lea Pursell Waite in 2015; four brothers, Ronald, Richard, John, and Donald Waite, two sisters Dorothy Lawrence and Grace Maldonado; and two stepsons, John and Richard Olson.
     Survivors include two daughters, Tina Waite of Millcreek Twp. and Cheryl Long and husband Dana of Greene Twp.; three sons, Robert Waite of Greene Twp., Jason Waite and wife Sara of McKean Twp. and Joshua Waite and wife Alicia of California; his loving stepchildren, Brenda Austin of Erie, Anita and David Fay of Spartansburg and Daniel and Julie Estes of Erie; two brothers, Gerald Waite of Wattsburg and Edward Waite of Waterford; four sisters, Sara "Weezie" Morgan of Harborcreek, Janette Ramsey of Georgia, Thelma "Genie" Walker of Erie and Ruthie Mann of Florida; and twenty-four grandchildren, Kristina, Jamie, Italia, Abby, Tori, Deonna, Dana, Erika, Aiden, Kayla T, Shane, Brett, Terry, Kiya, Crystal, Stephen, Amber, Kayla, Deanna, John Jr., Jennifer, Julian, Mason and Nolan.  He is further survived by numerous great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.
     Friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Erie Cemetery, Section 10, on Thursday, August 17th at 1 P.M. The Rev. Kristen Papson of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church will officiate.