Earl R. Waithe

Earl R. Waithe, 87 of Worcester, formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2015 at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Bertha M. (Carter) Waithe; his son, Sean Waithe of Worcester; his brother, Edmund Waithe and his wife Dorcas of Medford; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his daughter, Melissa Waithe; three brothers, Philip, Lawrence, and Lewen Waithe; three sisters, Sylvia, Esther, and Gwendolyn. Earl was born in Medford, Massachusetts, a son of the late Egbert S. and Lillian O. (Evans) Waithe and lived in West Medford until 1982 before he moved to Worcester where he has lived ever since. Earl entered the United States Navy at a young age, serving his country in World War II where he received the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal. He worked many years in maintenance for various companies retiring in 1989. Earl was an accomplished pianist, serving as Minister of Music for his beloved church, John Street Baptist Church, and various other churches in the area. He was the Director of New England Outreach Ministries and taught private piano and voice lessons for many years. Earl's Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM at John Street Baptist Church, 43 John St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. A period of calling hours will be held on Friday morning from 10-11 AM at church prior to his celebration of life. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: John Street Baptist Church, 43 John St., Worcester, MA. 01609. To share your thoughts and memories of Earl, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.