James L. Waite

James L. Waite

Chippewa Township

James L. Waite, resident of Chippewa Township died on Sunday, January 5, 2020.

Born September 3, 1925 in Patterson Township, he was the son of the late Lowell and Minnie Cleveland Waite.  For 60 years he was the owner and operator of Waite’s Ice Cream in Patterson Township, a much beloved landmark in the Beaver County community.  He graduated from Geneva College in 1948 with a B.S. in Business Administration and from the Penn State University Creamery.    He was a 60-year member of Chippewa United Methodist Church and a member of the Chippewa Lions Club for 50 years, of which he was honored as a Life Member.  He and his wife Virginia had wintered in Florida for 24 years and were both active square dancers.

In recognition of his devotion to his community, James was a recipient of several honors to include: The Lions International Distinguished Service Award; The Lions Club International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services; and The Township of Patterson’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service and Contributions to Patterson Township.  In addition, James was a past Master of the Big Knob Grange and past member of the Patterson Township Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, J. Wilfred Waite, sister-in-law, Geraldine Waite, and nephew, Robert Gerald Waite, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Virginia Emrick Waite, two daughters and a son-in-law, Sheila and Michael Shugats, Allison Park, PA, Colleen Harman, New Castle, PA, six grandchildren and their spouses, Jennifer and Kevin Bowser, Ellwood City, PA, James and Melissa Vekasy, Killeen, Texas, Bradley and Angela Shugats, Neville Island, PA, David and Jill Harman, New Middletown, Ohio, Parke and Tammi Harman, Enon Valley, PA, Douglas and Danielle Harman, Export, PA, 19 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 8th  from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com., 3801 Fourth Ave., College Hill, Beaver Falls, where the service will be held on Thursday, January 9th at 11 a.m. with Pastor Allan Brooks officiating.

Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Cemetery, Daugherty Township.

Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to Chippewa Lions Club or Chippewa United Methodist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James L. Waite, please visit our floral store.