Waverly Hill Gaither entered eternal rest on September 24, 2025, at Overlook Hospital. He had been ill for the past six months and had been in two nursing facilities.

Waverly was the fifth child of David and Lucille Gaither. He was born on February 20,  1952 in Plainfield, NJ. He grew up in Plainfield and attended the school system graduating from Plainfield High School in the class of 1970. Waverly attended Rutgers University and through challenging times he managed to graduate in 1982 with a BA in Political  Science. He also completed several computer  courses at Rutgers Coding Boot Camp. This is where he enhanced his knowledge and love of computers. If you knew Waverly, you were going to have an extensive conversation about computers and their function in our technological environment. Waverly never left Plainfield or the family home on South Second Street. He was always in touch with the people he knew in Plainfield and had an interest in what was going on in the city he loved. 

Waverly had an extensive work history starting while he was still a student at Rutgers. He started his professional career at NJECN, as a computer operator on the IBM mainframe and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) PDP systems. These computers were provided for academic computers located in the Hill Center at Rutgers University. He was one of the initial hires under the leadership of Dr. Joseph R. Denk, who became director of the NJ Educational Computer Network (NJECN) in 1976, The Department of Higher Education established NJECN to provide computing access to support the academic needs of colleges, universities, and government agencies throughout the state. Waverly excelled in his position, becoming the lead operator. He loved his job, computers, politics and was eager to take on the most challenging complex operational problems.

In the 1990’s the landscape for large mainframe computing had changed and NJECN began to downsize. Waverly reset and became part of a start-up group called Gigabyte which assisted with design and installation services of voice/data for local area networks. He was proud of his work, especially at William Paterson, Glassboro, Stockton, and other colleges. He was solution driven with exceptional analytical skills. 

In the mid-nineties he worked for Rijahaave Group in Wayne, NJ as the Senior Helpdesk Analyst again solving problems with the operations of a Hitachi mainframe. He assisted shipping clients with network and operational issues and performed backup of system DASD and user data, 

Waverly’s final position was with MOL-IT, Inc, in Edison, NJ as PC Support Office Automation Administrator. He installed, configured, and upgraded hardware on PC’s, laptops, and printers. He trained staff to perform helpdesk tasks and procedures efficaciously. His technical and critical thinking abilities earned him respect from peers, contractors, customers, and administrators alike. 

After 20 plus years, Waverly retired from MOL-IT and spent considerable time with a band of brothers, all graduates of Rutgers University. They met every week for lunch, but mostly for the rich conversation. Waverly always arrived first at their favorite spot (Cedar Grove Catering) and was the last to leave. He spent hours researching issues of interest to the group and reporting back with well thought out and useful content. Waverly had a remarkable career across the board and left a large void in the group. 

Waverly joins his parents, sister, Doris Davida and three brothers, Dewey, Gary, and Roger. He will always be in the heart of his sister, Patricia Ross of Delaware; sister-in-law, Victoria Gaither of SC; two nieces, Leisha Hairston (Brian) of NJ, Tisa Castor of NC; nephews Sean Gaither (Helena), Vaughn Gaither, both of NJ, David and Tyrone Gaither of SC, Dewey Gaither (Carla) of FL and Adell Gaither,of KS. He leaves a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

His memory will be cherished by his dear friend Arlene Aldridge, Frank and Chrystal McArthur, the Rutgers group, and numerous others who influenced his life.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all ways, acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6