|
B. Eugene "Gene" Waite passed away unexpectedly and quietly Friday, November 24, 2006, in his home surrounded by the family he loved so much. He was born May 20, 1931, the youngest of six children in Butler, PA, to William and Margaret Waite. Gene was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Rio Rancho. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolly Waite; daughters, Kathryn Waite and Debra Siner; son-in-law, Randy Siner; grandson, Christian St. John and his wife, Monica St. John; and great-grandchildren, Alex and Brittney Neff. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill and Jack; and sisters, Marie, Ruth, and Janet. After a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, Gene attended Duquesne University graduating in 1956 with a degree in business administration. Gene was employed for many years in the aeronautics and defense systems contracting industry. He was employed in the 1960s as a contract manager for the Lockheed Corporation and in 1979 while working as the Financial Controller for the Sperry Corporation moved with his wife, Dolly, and daughter, Kathryn, to Albuquerque. His job took him all over the world and Gene and Dolly entertained guests in their home from many different countries. Gene and Dolly made life long friendships with people they met through Sperry whom they traveled with and spent many good times. Gene and Dolly loved to travel. They traveled extensively in the British Isles, Europe, and Mexico and toured the United States in their motor home. After retiring from Honeywell, Gene worked in the public sector holding the positions of Financial Director for the City of Rio Rancho and County Manager of Dona Ana County. Gene was a classic jazz enthusiast who enjoyed listening to the sounds of Stan Getz, Miles Davis, and Mel Torme. He studied tenor saxophone with the great jazz saxophonist Lee Konitz and taught himself to play piano by ear. "The Shadow of Your Smile" was Gene and Dolly's song. He will be remembered playing "Alfie" on the piano and singing 'What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" Gene enjoyed playing golf, reading, tinkering on the computer and in the garage, going to auctions, and watching his favorite football team, the Pittsburg Steelers. Gene developed a passion for fishing and the outdoors and the family spent many weekends camping and fishing in northern New Mexico and Colorado. He especially enjoyed fishing with his grandson, Chris. Gene loved children and animals. He was always present at daughter Kathryn's equestrian events and soccer games. He had a great sense of humor right up to his last days and was notorious for coming up with his own punch lines. He will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten. A Memorial Rosary will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 1502 Sara Road in Rio Rancho. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 30, 2006, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish with burial to take place at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 710 W. 168th Street, NY, New York 10032. 1-800-457-6676. Arrangements by: French Mortuary (505) 897-0300.
|
