Louis Newton Waite, born on October 8, 1933, was the first son of Edward and Christiana Waite from Comfort Hall. He departed this world on February 27, 2024. A longtime resident of Newark since 1962, Louis had a deep connection to his family. He frequently traveled to places like Jamaica, Florida, and Canada to visit his loved ones, and he took great pride in his nieces and nephews, often sharing stories about them.
In 1962, Louis embarked on a courageous journey that led him from Montego Bay to New Jersey. There, he connected with his Uncle Pete and his wife, Bessie. He had no formal education but established himself in Newark as a skilled car repairman and gas station attendant. In fact, Louis was a man of many talents; he could rebuild car engines, renovate apartments, weld fencing, and fix televisions—all with his own hands. While working at the gas station, Louis met Bertha, and their love story blossomed. After three years of courtship, they married on February 25, 1967, and welcomed their first daughter, Lorie. Louis and Bertha also had another daughter, Stacie, and tragically lost their second daughter, Arlinda Kaye, in 1989.
In September 1970, Louis accepted a role as an assembler at Ford Motor Company in Edison, New Jersey. He was a very proud member of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and worked diligently at Ford for 28 years until his retirement in 1998 at the age of 64.
In 1994, Louis experienced immeasurable joy when he became a grandfather for the first time. His grandchildren, Arlinda and Aiden, have always held a special place in his heart, and he cherished every moment spent with them. In 2022, he added the title of great-grandfather to his list of proud accomplishments with the birth of his great-grandson, Grayson.
Louis will always be remembered by his loved ones for his consistency, integrity, and compassion, which made him a beloved friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy of love and family: His wife of 57 years, Bertha, daughters Lorie Ann and Stacie Jean, and a son, Romaine, who will forever hold his memory close. He also leaves behind a granddaughter, Arlinda, and son-in-law, Guerson, as well as a grandson, Aiden, and great-grandson, Graeson Louis. His extended family includes sister-in-law Cleatrice, brother-in-law Cecil, and his brothers Joel, Rupert, John, and Edgar, his sisters Thelma, Irel, Beverly, and Grizel, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.