Obituary
John Patrick White Jr. sadly passed away on January 10th, 2025, in Worcester Massachusetts at the age of 83. Known as “Pop” to his grandchildren, John leaves an indelible mark created by a lifetime of strength, courage, humor, love, and adventure. He was his own man and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
John was born in New York City on September 5th, 1941, to Evelyn (Oates) and John Patrick White Sr. He moved with his family to Pawling, New York and he graduated from Pawling High School in 1959. John married the love of his life, Marilyn Cunningham, on April 16th, 1966, in Dover Plains New York. Together they raised two wonderful children in Pawling, JP White III and Pamela Lucas, where laughter and joy always found their way into their home no matter what life challenges they faced as individuals or a family.
For thirty years John was a proud member of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department. He loved working in law enforcement and retired in 2001 as a Detective. Upon retirement, he and Marilyn moved to Florida and spent 24 years regularly traveling north to be with family and beloved grandchildren. Pop instituted a famous rule for his grandchildren whenever they visited that he happily delivered as a proclamation – “There are no rules!” His humor and sharp wit were unmatched. His countless “Popisms” will be remembered forever and bring smiles to friends and family as they continue to honor his life by living theirs fully and with courage. Above all, John loved his family with all his heart and lived every moment of his life for his family.
John was pre-deceased by his son JP, sister Kathleen Turnrose, and his parents. He is survived by his devoted wife Marilyn, daughter Pamela Lucas, son-in-law Chris Lucas, grandson John Patrick White IV, granddaughter Mackenzie Lucas, grandson Maximus Lucas, daughter-in-law Jeanine White, granddaughter Krystal (David) Hatzmann, grandson Alex (Erinn) Antoniuk, sister Evelyn Anderson, brother Richard White, brother Edward (Carole) White, three great-granddaughters, several nieces and nephews, many loving in-laws, and extended families.
The family will hold a mass in celebration of John’s life in the Spring in New York. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.T2T.org, an organization John deeply respected for what they do for first responders and U.S. Military families.
May the road rise up to meet John, may the wind be always at his back, may the sun shine warmly upon his face, the rains fall softly upon his fields, and until we meet again, may God hold him in the palm of his hand.
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