Support local Vietnam Vet's family after tragic fire & loss

Our hearts are broken as we mourn the tragic loss of Wayne Pait, a decades long resident of Sparta, NJ and a proud Vietnam veteran, who died in a devastating house fire in his home on 10/10/2024.

Also in the fire were Wayne’s wife Gerri and sons Matthew and Patrick who barely escaped the blaze after heroically attempting to get Wayne out of the fire.

The family not only lost their beloved father and husband but also their home and all their possessions. In this unimaginable time, we are asking for help to support the Pait family as they navigate this overwhelming loss.

The funds raised will go toward funeral expenses, temporary housing, the purchase of clothing, household goods and the essentials to help them rebuild their lives.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will be deeply appreciated. Please share and support if you can. Thank you for standing by this family in their darkest hour.

Wayne served with the US Air Force in Vietnam at Sơn Trà Mountain, a peninsula located near Da Nang. Sơn Trà Peninsula, aka Monkey Mountain, played a significant role during the Vietnam War. It was used as a U.S. military radar and communications base.

Gerri and Wayne raised their children in Sparta NJ in the ‘90s and early ‘00s. She had a long, fulfilling career at Liberty Travel helping countless clients create lifelong memories through carefully planned trips. Her passion for travel and dedication to her clients made every journey special.

Matthew was a person who gave back to the community by supporting the Sparta Booster Club and volunteering as a youth basketball coach for several years helping to found the Sparta Rec basketball program for high school students.

My name is Brian Shatzel, I am a close family friend, these funds will go directly to Matt, and his family. I thank you for all your donations.