John F. Wait Sr

John F. Wait Sr., 79

POESTENKILL - John F. Wait Sr., 79, of Poestenkill, passed away Monday, June 9, 2008, at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born February 10, 1929, he was the son of LeGrand and Mary (Quell) Wait of Wynantskill. He was educated at Sacred Heart and Averill Park schools. John started his own vehicle repair shop and salvage yard, Wait's Garage, in 1949. His wife, Marjorie served as secretary for his business, and his sons, John, Jr. and Jeff, joined as partners in 1984. John continued as partner, as he still made business decisions. He drove school bus for Averill Park School District for many years, and was instrumental in forming their driver's union. His interests were varied. He met Marjorie square dancing and continued through the years in the Tamarac Twirlers. He loved animals and owned many. Another passion was racing, which he did in the 1950's with his brother, Bernie. More recently, his favorite drivers were Kenny Tremont Jr., Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Jr. He loved camping in Stephentown, playing dice, and time with his large family and devoted friends. He also belonged to the Single Squares and the Troy Senior Center.

John joined the New York Guard in 1943, from there he joined the New York Army National Guard in 1947 as Sgt. with Co. A 105th Inf., then on to Co. B 727 2nd Bat. 27th Armored Div. as motor officer. In 1951, he joined the US Army Reserve, as a chief warrant officer, W/4 over motor maintenance in the 413. At age 60, he retired from the US Army and joined the National Guard as supply officer for several years. John was an expert rifleman and competed in state and national teams at Fort Dix, N.J. and Camp Perry, Ohio. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, 30 Year Long and Faithful Medal, and numerous service medals and awards.

He is predeceased by his devoted wife and life partner of 50 years, Marjorie V. (Brust) Wait, on June 30, 2000. He is also predeceased by his brother, Bernard Wait, who served and died in Viet Nam. He is survived by his loving children and children-in-law, Donna (David) Lesson, John (Louise Cassino) Wait, Jeffrey (Sherri) Wait, Dori (Paul) Boodakian, James (Eileen) Wait and Jesse (April) Wait; 17 grandchildren: Corey and Brett Lesson; John Wait III, Jolene (Ryan) Hindes and Matthew Wait; Jeffrey Jr., Jenelle and Jeanna Wait; Dean, Tasha, Ginger and Carli Boodakian; Justin, Hayley and Ashley Wait; and Katelyn and Preston Wait; along with three great-grandchildren, Adriana Wait and newborn twins, Morgan and Maxwell Hindes. He is survived by his brother, Leon (Betty) Wait, sister, Mary (Thomas) Phibbs; also in-laws, Edith Lovell, Beryl Krogh, Elva Golinski, Iva Bonesteel, David and Hilda Brust, and Ken and Theresa Brust. John is also survived by his friend and fiancee, Grace Hamilton; one aunt, Gertrude Quell, and many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

John's family would like to thank the Samaritan Hospital doctors and nurses, along with cafeteria staff for their special care during his stay there, especially Dr. Conjalka of Northeast Health Oncology, along with all the wonderful friends and family that visited him, called him and sent cards. He totally appreciated you all.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church , Wynantskill, followed by military honors in Evergreen Cemetery, Wynantskill. Calling hours will be from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, at St. Jude Church , Brookside Ave, Wynantskill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's name, to a charity of one's choice or to the John F. Wait Automotive Mechanical Scholarship Fund, c/o M&T Bank, 150 Main Ave., Wynantskill, NY 12198; Animal Lovers, P.O. Box 6426, Albany, NY 12206; or National Foundation for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD 20814.

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