Ronald Bard Waite

Ronald was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated member of his community. He graduated from Cassadaga Valley Central School in 1956, where he played percussion in the band and was an avid photographer for the Newspaper and Yearbook with the nickname of “Flashcube.”

On June 5, 1957, Ronald married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Sylvia Kropat, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Cassadaga. Together, they raised five sons: Jeffrey Walter (Marc Culver) Waite, AF MSgt (Ret.) Timothy Ronald (Dora Wilcox) Waite, AF Col. (Ret.) Dr. Rodney Michael (the late Lisa Obert) Waite, AF Lt. Col. (Ret.) Barry Charles (Barbara Nicol) Waite, and Daryl Patrick. Ronald cherished his family deeply and was a devoted husband and father.

Ronald began his military service in the U.S. Army Reserves on September 20, 1956, at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He held various roles throughout his career, including photographer for the Post-Journal in Jamestown (1956 – 1966) and inventory control specialist at the Marlin Rockwell Corporation (1966 – 1988). He also worked at The Resource Center in Dunkirk, retiring in 2000.

As an entrepreneur, he operated several businesses. In 1974, Ronald opened Waite’s Bike Shop in Cassadaga. Though he tried to retire many times, loyal customers continued leaving their bikes at his door, and he kept reopening the shop–never wanting to turn anyone away. In addition, he was a wedding photographer since high school, shoe salesman, and ran a successful locksmith business from 1996 – 2025, always ready to help others with his many talents.

A passionate community servant, Ronald was Cub Scout Master for Troop 19 and Boy Scout Leader for Troop 219 in Cassadaga. A founding member of the Cassadaga Area Concert Band, he played drums and served as the band’s treasurer for over 40 years. Inspired by his first music teacher, Cliff Cornish, Ronald maintained a lifelong love of music. He also served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and Parish Treasurer at Immaculate Conception Church and a volunteer fireman for the Cassadaga Fire Department.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Waite Mikula-Olmstead, brother-in-law Mike Kozlow, and daughter-in-law Lisa Obert Waite. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Geraldine; their five sons; his sister Sandra Waite Kozlow; grandchildren Zachary (Margaret), Dustin (Kara), Alexander (Rachael), Darlene, Nathaniel (Jen), Darin, Lucy (Will), Mariana (Reeju), Chad, and Valerie; and great-grandchildren Charles, James, Peyton, Abigail, Henry, Ayla and Evelyn. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ronald’s life was a testament to hard work, faith, family, and community. He will be remembered for his kindness, creativity, and generosity.

Arrangements entrusted to Jordan Funeral Home Sinclairville, NY.

A celebration of Ronald’s life will be held in Cassadaga, New York, this summer on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department or Roswell Park Cancer Center would be appreciated by the family.

Ronald Bard Waite leaves behind a legacy of love and service. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Send a condolence by visiting www.jordansinclairville.com.