Richard Barton White
LEOMINSTER - Richard Barton White (Dick), 80, entered peacefully into eternal rest in his home on January 16, 2021, surrounded by his wife, Marguerite R. (Bourque) White, and family.
Born on May 23, 1940 in Winchendon, MA, Dick grew up in Leominster. He was the second son of Alice (Piasick) White and Emerson A. White. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1958, where he played Varsity Football and was active in the school newspaper, student government, and theater club. He graduated with honors from Boston University in 1962 with a degree in journalism.
Following a few years in journalism and advertising, Dick spent 40+ years working in the Leominster area at a number of tool & die companies. He ended his career as a purchasing executive for Nypro Mold (Clinton, MA).
Dick loved learning, reading, gardening, cooking, photography, and home improvement projects. He was a talented artist. Active in the community, he volunteered his time with various organizations such as the United Way, Leominster High School Center for Technical Education, the National Plastics Center & Museum, WGBH, and as a lector at St. Leo’s Parish for decades. He was a loving and caring man who was always willing to help a friend, neighbor, or stranger. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife and family.
Above all, Dick was devoted to his family. He loved sharing stories of his childhood with his children and grandchildren, passing along traditions they will long remember: reading the stories of Thornton W. Burgess; making popcorn balls, hot fudge sauce, Sunday morning brunch, and waffles; picking wild blueberries in the summer; and sledding in the winter. He treasured the times his whole family could gather together, and he could always be heard complimenting his beloved wife of 56 years.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Marguerite; his son, Ryan, and his wife, Natalie, of Kingston, MA; his son, Kevin, and his wife, Meredith, of Milton, MA; his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband Keith, of Burlington, VT; and his four loving grandchildren, Connor, Carly, Griffin, and Rebecca. He is also survived by his brothers E. Donald White and Gary White and their wives, as well as his two nieces and three nephews.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Mass will be held at St. Leo’s Parish for immediate family this Wednesday at 11:00 am. At a later date, after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, a memorial service and reception will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Richard’s memory to either French Connection, his wonderful home health care providers, or WGBH.
[French Connection: 925 West Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440 or WGBH Office of Gift Planning and Endowment: One Guest Street, Boston Massachusetts, 02135 or via the WGBH website: www.wgbh.org/tribute]