Gerald Alan Wait

The world lost a traveler with a big heart on September 23, 2025. Gerald Alan Wait passed away peacefully, with his wife, Glenda Wait, at his side, and held lovingly in the hearts of his children and many dear friends. Jerry was born in Rochester, NY on October 13, 1940 to Gertrude and Harry Wait. He is predeceased by his brother, David (Pat) and is survived by his brother, Don Wait. Jerry is tenderly missed  by his 5 children: Cheryl Wait Moore, Kathy Houghton (Douglas), Glenn Wait (Julie), Randi Downs (John), Russell Wait (Cindy), 9 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Jerry grew up playing baseball and ice hockey with his brothers in the Rochester city parks. He was an Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors. When he was young, he went on canoe trips in Canada with his teenage friends, no adults. On one trip, he accidentally stuck a hatchet into his ankle and had to finish the trip before getting medical attention. He was always a tough bird! This perseverance and grit served him well. Later in life, Jerry and Glenda would take multiple teenagers from Perinton Community Church on week-long canoe trips deep in Algonquin Provincial Park.

Almost 67 years ago, Jerry met the love of his life, Glenda Lucas, when she visited his church  where her aunt and uncle also attended. At just 17 and 19 years of age, they had a wedding during a snowstorm in February 1960. Many people – even the original minister –  were unable to make the ceremony. At a party for their 50th anniversary, Dad said he was glad they could finally have a celebration that family and friends could attend! These two kids created a loving family together, and a home rich with laughter, dreams, and accomplishments.

With the help of family, he built a home from the ground up in Macedon, NY, where they raised their five children and a menagerie of dogs, cats and horses, with a few ducks and geese in the mix.  When the kids were young, Jerry convinced Glenda that driving across the country and camping with multiple kids would be fun! Though skeptical, she did it anyway, and the family enjoyed numerous cross-country journeys together.

Throughout their marriage, Jerry and Glenda continued to travel around the country and across the world. They've visited just about every National Park in the US and Canada. Just this past spring, they toured the Azores, adding to their list of incredible international adventures. Jerry never lost his traveling spirit- in fact, he had just renewed his passport! They've instilled this love of travel in each of their children.

Jerry loved the house on the lake in Daniels, WV, where he and Glenda have spent the last 22 years. Days were filled with creating stunning furniture in his woodshop, hiking the surrounding forests, driving the boat, and volunteering in the community. One of Jerry's proudest accomplishments was serving as a volunteer for the local Just for Kids organization. There, Jerry  served on the Board of Directors, kept up with repairs, and supported this necessary healing space.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Jerry on Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Glade Community Church, 1 Pavilion Drive, Daniels, West Virginia, followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Just for Kids, in Beckley, West Virginia ( https://jfkwv.com/) .

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.