John J. ?Jack? White
December 9, 1920 – December 18, 2007
Jack White died at his home in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, December 18th, surrounded by family. He had been under the care of LifePath Hospice for more than 2½ years.
Born at home in Paterson, NJ on December 9, 1920, Jack began his lifelong career in the food industry as a young boy delivering his mother?s home made pies to people in the neighborhood. He went on to work at a local bakery where he picked up other skills as he continued to develop his interest. He enlisted in the Navy during WWII serving as a baker. In 1944 he married Margaret ?Peggy? Hopkins and moved to Brooklyn, NY. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to Brooklyn and his family; and secured employment in local bakeries. Shortly thereafter, he was gainfully employed by ARA Food Service where he worked his way into food service management. Over time he held numerous management and administrative positions with ARA and other food service companies. Highlights of his career include the opening of NYU Stony Brook in 1962. Following the death of his wife, he returned with his children to his hometown of Paterson, NJ. He married his present wife, Dorothy, in June 1970. His career culminated with his position as Operations Analyst for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. In this capacity he successfully saw to the provision of food and housing for the many athletes and coaches from all participating world nations. At 67 and retired, he and Dorothy traveled by motor home throughout the continental United States. They settled in Tampa in 1987.
Jack is survived by his wife Dottie and daughters Carolyn, Peggy Ann, Geri, and Joan as well as his stepdaughter Judy; sons-in-law Mike and Wayne; 15 grandchildren: Jacob, Jon, Jackie, Jamie, Tommy, Rob, Jason, Keith, Sally, Brian, Kevin, Wayne, Lara, Chris, and Margie; 16 Great- grandchildren: Kyle, Gwen, Ethan, Kamaryn, Austin, Katie, Maggie, Pandora, Michael, John Ross, Breanna, Brian Jr., Brendan, Connor, Allysa, Ariel, and counting!
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Bay Pines Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL, on Wednesday, December 26th, at 2:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to LifePath Hospice, 11150 N. 53rd Street, Temple Terrace, Florida, 33617.
A memorial service will be held at Saint Bonaventure?s Roman Catholic Church in Paterson, NJ at a later date.
Requiescat in Pace.
Vischnaya Pamjat! Eternal Memory! This ancient Byzantine-Slavonic expression is offered as a condolence to the bereaved and a prayer for the departed: May the Lord God remember him in eternity!
Carrie, I know you were hoping he would receive the sacraments before he passed. I’m glad his soul will now be at peace with God. My prayers are with you and all of your family.
Peggy and family, please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Grandpa and Great Grandpa,
We will miss you and are happy that you are no longer in pain. We were blessed to have you in our lives and we will see you again. We love You
Peggy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish your special memories of Dad.
Debbie and Pete Veiga
Jack was always in good spirits and fun to be around.
The following members of the VFW Honor Guard were privileged to be part of the service at Bay Pines to honor John for his service to our country:
Bud Burket Captain
Dayle Stevens Chaplain
Len Davis Sergeant of the Guard
Perry Potter Rifleman
Belinda Potter Rifleman
Vern Covell Rifleman
Nancy Covell Flag Bearer
Jeanne Burket Bugler
Please accept our sincere condolences and may John rest in peace.
My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with you. I will continually pray for John’s soul, for his peace and for the family.
We Love You and Miss You.
JMJ
I remember Dad taking me out to play golf one day after he’d bought me my own clubs. I do not recall whether it was a pitch-and-putt, you know, one of those short distance courses, or whether it was a regular sized course. It wouldn’t have mattered much to me either way because no matter how hard I tried, I could never find the flag in order to aim properly. As we approached every new hole, he’d remind me to aim for the flag. “Where is it?” I’d ask. He’d bend over near me, outstretch his arm and point. “I don’t see it.” After several holes I know his patience was running short. Not only because of my inability to find the flag in order to aim, but also because it would take me so many tries just to get the ball to the green! It didn’t matter whether I couldn’t see the flag or took 20 shots to get the ball to the green, he held his cool. What mostly bothered him is that when it was his turn, I’d talk to him! I was a kid! How did I know I was supposed to be quiet on a golf course?! Needless to say, he never took me golfing again. That was fine with me because I never really wanted to go again. I decided I really didn’t like the game much and would be satisfied sharing a bucket of balls or two with him at the driving range. It was the time spent with him that mattered the most.
Until Dad passed away I never really realized how important it is to make time for the people you love and to cherish every minute.
I love and miss you Daddy.
JMJ
Hi Dad,
I miss you. There’s so much going on and I’d like to pick up the phone and talk with you about it all. I need to hear you tell me that I’m doing the right thing and that it’ll all work out. I hope you are praying for me.
I love and miss you Daddy,
Carolyn