Bob Wait, of Dennis, our beloved Papa and Opa, passed away in the arms of his girls on February 19, 2022. At 85, he gave us such a long, beautiful time together, and we were so blessed to have him for those years. He leaves behind his wife, Annie and daughters, Jenny and Scottie. Franky and Brendan were sons to him and we are grateful for his best friend, Uncle Hal. And of course, the bright star in his life, 13-year-old Finn Robert.

If you knew Bob, you loved him. He was the most giving, compassionate and thoughtful person on this earth and found a way to connect with everyone, young and old. His personality and joy for life was contagious and he was a true mentor and father-figure for so many young people over the years.

Bob was a successful actor, starting his career at Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis. He went to Indiana University and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, where he was known as Waiter. Bob served in the army and was stationed in Korea. He would teach English when he was off duty. He moved to New York City in 1960 where he met his wife, Annie of 57 years. Bob was a true performer, director and stage manager and spent many years at Starlight Musicals in Indianapolis and doing summer stock throughout the country. While working as an actor in New York City, he was in over 300 commercials, print ads and many theater productions. He was a beloved friend to his fellow actors and a proud member of Actors Equity and SAG AFTRA for 60 years. In most theater productions you become an instant family and you always think these people will be in your life forever but when the production is over, even with the best of intentions, those connections get lost. With Bob it was different. Once you knew him, you wanted always to know him. He was the ring master of the circus but he always made you feel like the spotlight was on you.

He lived in Montclair, NJ for 25 years and raised his girls to be independent, strong and devoted friends. Bob and Annie retired to Cape Cod where he enjoyed playing poker with the guys, long walks on the beach collecting shells and mementos, the hiking club and traveling to Costa Rica, Italy and Ireland and most especially, time with his family. He was the ultimate bridge, poker, canasta and gin rummy player and had a sharp discard.

If you'd like to remember Bob, visit the weeping beech tree in Yarmouth, one of his favorite places of solitude on the Cape.

Bob did not want services and we will honor that. The family will host a virtual program this spring to share stories and memories of this special man. Please reach out to the family if you'd like to join us.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a gift in his honor to www.pinestreetinn.org a place very special to him, a place where individuals are treated with dignity and love.

Bob was a great man, the very best, and he is missed.

Bob Wait was a great man. Truly, the best. I still cry every night in missing his noble and loving heart in the world -- his loss is a loss for all humanity. Bob was a bodhisattva among us mere mortals. He mirrored back to us who and what we are -- with boundless love and compassion. He saw the world clearly for what it was. He treasured the liberating and transformative power of theatre for showing us how we and the world could be. His compassionate heart was always sensitive to the suffering of the oppressed and pained by injustices of many kinds. An open mind, and an open heart -- that was Bob. In essence, Bob Wait was a perfected human being. That playful and tender smile; that wise and mischievous twinkle in his eye -- and that laugh, oh my, that laugh -- no other laugh like it. "I love it, I just love it." Bob was pure presence -- awake, aware, playful, spontaneous, compassionate and caring. He fully inhabited each moment, each breath -- noticed the fine details of his surroundings, the state of others' hearts, and of course every opportunity for joy and connection. As a child, I loved watching him collect the collection at church (what a performance, so regal and dignified yet humble and unassuming, so focused yet responsive) -- and as a girl I had my life forever changed when he brought over collections of plays to my door for me to read -- and later showed me the ropes on stage (and celebrated with me when I mounted plays of my own). An extraordinary mentor in art and life like no other (so encouraging, so supportive, so nurturing) -- an outstanding soul who modeled for us the heights of beauty and perfection that a human soul can attain -- how truly blessed and fortunate are we who knew him and loved him -- and were loved by him. The grief is overwhelming, but I'm trying to keep his spirit alive by treating people the way that Bob Wait would treat them (and by greeting each moment the way he would) -- and then I feel his presence in the world again, and it's a great comfort. We love and miss you so much, dear friend, beloved sage, and boundless heart. Condolences to Bob's beautiful family and all those who were blessed to have known this extraordinary man.

Sometimes a gift is sent to you, and then every day is a gift. Thank you Bob! Warmest regards to all Bob’s family and friends.

Bob was such a good neighbor to all of us at the Knoll. And of course to our 4 legged babies…Percy loved seeing Bob & his dog cookies! I miss seeing him go by my window everyday! My love and prayers are with Annie and family. I’m here if you need anything..

Even though we never lived in the same city, we as cousins saw each other couple times a year. He got my sisters and I in trouble a lot at the dinner table with making us 3 girls giggle a lot, but then one of us girls had to leave the table, never Bob. I think I was the closet cousin, same age, he was in my wedding. He was such fun!!! A very kind heart!! I will miss him.!!!

Dear Scottie & family, Here is Sonja writing from Bavaria ( Southern Germany) in Regensburg. I feel glad that Stefan and I made your parents' acquaintance during our visit to the regions of new York, Washington and finally Boston far back in 1999. A very short visit which we've been keeping in our memories. Stefan still regularly wears the sports cap your father gave him as a farewell present. It has become even more special now. We are thinking of you all. Love & kisses to you, Scottie, from your friends in Bavaria

All I can say is how blessed I was to know Bob and to hear how much he loved his beautiful family. One of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and so very caring. I feel the lights on the theaters are dimmer with him gone.

I am glad to have met Bob even though briefly our connection was instant. What a sense of humor he had. I am glad he shared some of his shells with me. Thank you buddy!

You couldn’t ask for a better neighbor. Bob was always so kind to us and took genuine interest in our lives. His smile and enthusiasm lifted our spirits often. We are grateful to have known such a beautiful soul and keep his memory in our hearts and minds.

Incredible man, incredible story. When I think of Bob Wait ...I think of pure joy. JOY to its most purest and authentic-ness! He has always been such a huge part of our lives. Even though we haven't seen him much recently... he was always someone we talked about in our home and treasured the memories. We will miss him so much but know that he is now a guardian angel for Logan and for our whole family. Our sincerest condolences to Aunt Jen, Uncle Franky, Annie, Scottie and the whole rest of the family! Our hearts are with you!

Bob was a true gentleman and we had the privilege of knowing him for the last 15 years. It was a pleasure to welcome himself and Annie to our home here in Ireland and we spent many happy days in his company on our many trips to the USA. His welcoming smile and happy disposition made everyone feel at home from the first moment you met him. To Annie, Scottie Jennifer and the extended family we extend our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of a truly remarkable man. May you rest in peace my friend the world will be a drearier place without you.

He was so loved and respected. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Dear Friend, You changed my life when you asked me to audition for THE DINING ROOM in 1987. Collaborating with you on stage and behind the scenes with the UCC Players gave me a confidence I’d not known before. What a Joy it was to work and to learn from you. To be your friend. Love always, And of course, Kisses Polly

He will be greatly missed he was a great man my memory of him comes from childhood but it was impactful he was such a kind man and he loved his daughters so much I remember seeing that and his laugh and his smile he had alot of love in him

STELLAR is a word that we cannot get out of our heads when we think of Bob Wait. He always was shining forth in our New Jersey suburb as a director-actor, as a fellow church member, and as a friend. Humor, compassion, talent (!) brightened every situation he was a part of. The town of Montclair lost some of its glow when he and Annie took all their gifts to Cape Cod for a brilliant Act III of their lives together. Our hearts are broken, but we look to the skies to salute the newest, brightest STAR!

I met Bob our freshman year at Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis and we were friends immediately and remained so through the years. We were class officers (different years) and shared many activities together. And kept in touch through the years but didn’t see each other as often as I would have liked. I’m glad we were able to be in touch in recent months. He was a wonderful classmate and friend.

What a delight to know him and to get to know his devoted family. Thank you for your beautiful love.

You were such a friend to us. Now you and Charlie can finish some of your conversations. We miss you

I love Robert Wait. Our red hair was an initial bond that fostered a friendship that I cherish. Bob played an incredible important role in my life. Meeting him @ 8 years old in 1962, he took me under his wing and never let me fall. Bob mentored me, acted with me and stage managed me for years at Starlight -- quickly becoming a family friend -- and then a member of the family, a father figure. My mother loved Bob. Her last moments were spent holding his hand. I visited him a few years ago... reminiscing, hiking, eating, joking, laughing... it was a delightful visit! Knowing that Bob is gone has left a grief where there is no relief. Like losing a parent -- Bob will be in my heart forever. My deepest sympathies to Annie, Jenny, Scottie and the rest of the family. Thanks for sharing Bob!

Beautiful and very true…Bobby was exceptional… and he left behind not only wonderful memories but a wonderful family! Thank you for sharing…lyn