Nathan Theodore Wald Jr.

Nathan Theodore Wald, Jr. “Ted”, was born April 19, 1936 in Roanoke, VA and died of cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure on November 20, 2019 at Prince William Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents Mattie Jane Gibson and Nathan T. Wald, Sr. and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. Surviving is his wife Virginia of 59 years, his son Frank, his daughter Debbie, his son-in law Will Nash, and two grandchildren, Liam and Allie. He entered the US Air Force in 1955, served for four years and remained on inactive reserve status for four years after being discharged. He was called to active duty during the “Bay of Pigs” but did not have to deploy. After his duty with the Air Force, he came to Washington, D.C. to pursue the possibilities of joining the police force. Instead, he started work at Holiday Shoe Store, later to Hanover Shoes and then to a career with Safeway for 37 years. He started as a clerk in the produce department, using his experience from working at Kroger’s in Roanoke and moved up to Produce Manager in stores from Chillum, Maryland, Graham Road, Fairfax and finally retiring from Tackett’s Mill Safeway. Family was very important to Ted, since he grew up with cousins that were more like siblings and nieces. He travelled to Norfolk several summers during his childhood, spending time with his uncle who worked at the Naval Ship Yard. They would spend time together, fish off the wharf, before returning to Roanoke for the school year. Having a family of his own, he enjoyed traveling to Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens and travels to Roanoke. As he grew older, his heart conditions limited his travel closer to home, with shorter trips to visit friends and family. He enjoyed retirement, working in the yard, walking in the Mall, watching old western movies, puzzles, and talking with neighbors. When his grandchildren arrived, his biggest enjoyment was the ability to be with his grandchildren on a daily basis until they were ready for elementary school. He was called “Coolpa”. He enjoyed helping Liam with his Legos, carving pumpkin for Halloween with Allie and showing them how to snap green beans. They had many walks to the playground. He loved watching Liam play ball and Liam’s mastery of various string instruments. Allie’s performances in local plays and school activities brought him much happiness. He also loved his grand dog Charlie, who was always a delight for Ted. Ted was an active member of St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Manassas for 47 years. He was an Usher for over 25 years, served as Church Accountant in the 1970’s, and briefly provided janitorial service at the Westmoreland Avenue location. He loved his church and his church family. Arrangements by Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia 20110 Services will be Sunday, November 24th at St. Thomas United Methodist Church, 8899 Sudley Road, Manassas at 3 pm, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will occur on Monday, November 25th at 11:00 at Stonewall Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers family request donations can be made in his name to St. Thomas United Methodist Church or to the American Heart Association.

Nathan Theodore Wald Jr.

April 19, 1936 - November 20, 2019