William Waitinas

William Raymond Waitinas, 76, Chardon resident of 63 years, died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 12, 2015, at his daughter’s home in San Luis Obispo, CA. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pamela Wright Waitinas, whom he married on July 4, 1962; his children Laura Vokoun (Chris) of Hambden, Joanna Thomas (Robert) of Valley Village, CA, John Waitinas (Elizabeth) of Mariposa, CA, Paul Waitinas (Gretchen Minekime) of Lafayette, CO, Carol Waitinas Alaqua (Victor) of Willoughby, and Catherine Waitinas (Brad Campbell) of San Luis Obispo, CA; and his grandchildren Nathan, Cole, Caitlyn, Samantha Rose, Gratiana, Aaron, Tyler, Giovanni, Cory, Alexandra, Rocco, Asher, Owen, Sophia, and Silas. Son of the late William and Anna Waitinas, he is also survived by his sister, Ann Fink (William) of Wickliffe. Bill was a brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many.

William was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Chardon High School and Case Institute of Technology. He was an electrical engineer for The Austin Company, Cleveland Crane & Engineering Company, and Lubrizol Corporation. For the last 16 years, he worked in the reference department at the Chardon Library. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Chardon, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and usher for many years. For decades, he volunteered on behalf of Catholic education and service organizations including the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Geauga County Catholic Service Bureau, and the honor society Kappa Gamma Pi.

Bill was a model of steady love and compassion for his children and grandchildren, and he was a beloved uncle and a cherished friend. He enjoyed working in his yard, traveling with his wife, reading, and spending time with family. Most of all, he will be remembered for his strong faith, unwavering patience, remarkable kindness and generosity of spirit, and beautiful and ready smile.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Bill on Friday, July 17, 2015 at St. Mary’s Parish gathering space, 401 North Street in Chardon, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at St. Mary’s Parish at 10 AM.  Entombment following at All Soul’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations suggested in Bill’s memory to St. Mary’s Church, 401 North St., Chardon, 44024; the Friends of the Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., Chardon, 44024; or the Sisters of Notre Dame, 13000 Auburn Rd., Chardon, 44024.  Arrangements and Funeral conducted by THE DeJohn Funeral Home & Crematory of Chardon (formerly Ritondaro).  440-285-9651.   Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com