Reginald W. Laite

Reginald W. Laite, a longtime resident of Sleepy Hollow, died on May 12, 2020 of cancer at age 89.  The eldest of four brothers, Reg was born on October 2, 1930 in St. John’s, Newfoundland to Chesley and Flora (Simms) Laite.  After his high school years in Brewer, Maine he served four years in the U.S. Air Force and subsequently earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University.

In 1958 he married Tarrytown native Elizabeth Mack and embarked on a career in broadcast news, starting as combined writer, editor and announcer at a radio station in Charlotte, North Carolina, and eventually becoming news director of KYW in Philadelphia and then KFWB in Los Angeles, where he took the all-news station to number one in the ratings.

The Laites came to Sleepy Hollow in the Bicentennial summer of 1976, when Reg became News Director of WOR 710 AM.  He also hosted Newsbeat, interviewing Governors Carey and Cuomo, mayors, and other public figures on air.  He later left management and finished his career writing and editing for NBC television news.  During his long retirement, he enjoyed golfing, reading, and mentoring those around him.  He treasured memories of the fishing villages of his childhood, and could always return to his “Newfie” accent if it helped a story. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, and sons Jeffrey (Sarah) of New York City and Dana (Pamela) and step-grandson Ryan Sosnowski of Hammond, IN.  Additionally, he is survived by brothers Murray of Lewistown, PA and Berkley (Carol) of Estero, Florida. His brother Gordon with whom he served in the USAF preceded him in death.

Due to the pandemic, no service is planned at this time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reginald W. Laite, please visit our floral store.