Waldo David Frank (August 25, 1889 – January 9, 1967) was a multifaceted American novelist, historian, political activist, and literary critic. He gained recognition for his extensive writings in The New Yorker and The New Republic during the 1920s and 1930s. Frank's scholarly works on Spanish and Latin American literature and culture played a pivotal role in fostering intellectual connections between the two continents. As a radical political activist during the Great Depression, he delivered a significant keynote speech at the first congress of the League of American Writers and was its inaugural chair. Frank's political affiliations shifted over time, and he notably broke with the Communist Party, USA in 1937 due to disagreements over the treatment of exiled Soviet leader Leon Trotsky.Born into a prosperous family in Long Branch, New Jersey, Frank's early years were marked by a diverse upbringing. After attending DeWitt Clinton High School in New York City and pursuing higher education at Yale University, Frank embarked on a literary career that saw the publication of his first novel, "The Unwelcome Man" (1917). He also served as an associate editor for The Seven Arts, a journal with a strong pacifist stance, and formed a close friendship with writer Jean Toomer. Frank's political activism gained momentum in the 1920s, and he joined The New Republic as a contributing editor. His support for striking workers and extensive travels, including visits to the Soviet Union and

Waldo Peirce (1884-1970) was a renowned American painter known for his bohemian lifestyle and vibrant art. Described as Rabelaisian, witty, and robust, he was often called "the American Renoir." Peirce was a prolific painter for over 50 years, creating still lifes, figures, landscapes, and portraits of his extensive family. Born in Bangor, Maine, to a prominent family, he attended Phillips Academy and Harvard University, where he pursued art and played football. Peirce further honed his skills at the Art Students League in New York and in Europe, embracing Impressionism. During World War I, he served in the American Field Service and was decorated for bravery by the French government. Peirce lived as an expatriate in France for a decade before returning to the U.S. and later receiving a mural commission from the Treasury Section of Fine Arts. He was known for his friendship with Ernest Hemingway and his adventurous spirit, including a memorable prank on John Reed. Throughout his life, Peirce married four times and had five children. He left behind a legacy of bold and expressive artwork, cementing his place as a significant figure in American art history.

Waldo Grant (November 3, 1946 – June 6, 2023) was an American serial killer known for his heinous crimes in New York City during the 1970s. Born in Bulloch County, Georgia, he gained notoriety for the murders of four young men between 1973 and 1976. Despite his upbringing as one of fifteen children in a religious family, Grant's life took a dark turn as he confessed to the brutal killings of Phillip Mitchell, George Muniz, Harold Phillips, and Harry Carillo. His chilling acts shocked the community and led to his eventual arrest and conviction in 1978, resulting in four concurrent life sentences.Grant's troubled personal life and the details of his crimes have been the subject of public fascination and scrutiny. His acts of violence and the manner in which he disposed of his victims' bodies sparked widespread fear and disbelief. Upon his death at the age of 76, Grant left behind a legacy of terror and tragedy, serving as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals. His story continues to be referenced in discussions of crime in New York City and the profile of serial killers in the United States.

Waldo Dean Waterman (June 16, 1894 – December 8, 1976) was a renowned inventor and aviation pioneer from San Diego, California. His innovative contributions to aviation included the development of tailless swept-wing aircraft with tricycle landing gear, leading to the creation of a simple-to-fly flying car. Waterman's passion for aviation began in high school when he built his first aircraft, a biplane hang glider, in 1909. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, he continued to pursue his aviation endeavors and became a fixture at Glenn Curtiss' testing station. Throughout his career, he focused on creating groundbreaking aircraft designs, such as the Whatit, the Waterman Arrowplane, and the Autoplane. His significant achievements in aviation led to his induction into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 1968. Waterman's legacy continues to inspire future generations of aviators and innovators.

Waldo E. "Bill" Nelson (1898 – March 2, 1997) was an influential American pediatrician known as "the father of pediatrics". He gained widespread recognition for authoring the renowned pediatric textbook, now known as the "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics," and for his long-term editorial role at The Journal of Pediatrics. Born in McClure, Ohio, in 1898, Nelson initially pursued a business education but was inspired to enter medicine following the tragic loss of his baby sister. After receiving assistance to attend medical school, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati Medical School in 1926. His career included significant roles at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Temple University School of Medicine, where he chaired the pediatrics department for over two decades. Nelson's impact extended beyond his clinical and academic work, as he significantly contributed to the advancement of pediatric medicine through his textbook and esteemed editorial position. His dedication to the field continued well into his later years, with Nelson practicing medicine into his eighties and remaining active in professional engagements until his nineties. He passed away in 1997, leaving behind a lasting legacy in pediatric medicine. Nelson was posthumously honored with the prestigious John Howland Award by the American Pediatric Society (APS).