Robert S. Waites, 72, of Derry, NH passed peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday April 11, 2020. He was born January 21, 1948 in Lawrence, MA and was a son of the late Robert G. & Betty A. (Studley) Waites. Bob was raised and educated in Methuen, MA and graduated from Tenney High School in Methuen. He also was a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Boston. Bob has been a resident of Derry for the past 20 years.
Mr. Waites was employed for 25 years as a machinist with General Electric in Rochester, NH in their Jet Engine Division. After retirement, he worked as a bus driver for several companies in the Derry/Salem area. Bob enjoyed auto racing, motorcycling and the NE. Patriots. He was formerly a member of the Board of Directors, at Camp Berea in Hebron, NH. He was a devout Christian and member of Marsh Corner Community Church of Methuen and Calvary Bible Church of Derry. Bob’s grandchildren will always remember him as a “fun loving” Papa. Friends describe him as a jokester and Godly man. Sandra adds: “My husband was my knight in shining armor and will truly be missed by all”.
Members of the family include his loving wife of 26 years, Sandra (Lee) Waites, of Derry, his five children, Christina Johnson & her husband Tim, Cheryl Jackson & her husband Steve, John F. Lee & his wife Jackie, Christopher Lee & his wife Cara and Bonnie-Jean Lee, eleven grandchildren, Austin, Aubrey, Brianna, John, Jr., Faith, J.T., Kyla, Andrew, Phillip, David and Maranda, a brother and his wife, Douglas & Barbara Waites and a sister Judie Waites, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
After cremation, due to COVID 19 protocol, services will be planned for a later date. The family would like to thank the following churches for their assistance. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Calvary Bible Church, 145 Hampstead Road Derry, NH 03038 or: Marsh Corner Community Church, 317 Pelham Street Methuen, MA 01844. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry is assisting the family with arrangements.