ESSEX – Ronald E. White, 67, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, May 23, 2014. He was the husband of Judith L. (Clarke) White.
Born in Gloucester on January 11, 1947, he was the son of the late Elmer and Lucille (Brown) White. He was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1965.
Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. A recipient of the Vietnam Service Medal with one star, the Presidential Unit Citation Medal and two purple hearts, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in June of 1971.
When he returned home, he attended Northeastern University and received a drafting degree. Ron owned and operated National Air Systems for many years.
Ron was a true sports fan. He loved his are teams, especially the Red Sox. If he wasn’t watching a local sports team, he was more frequently found watching his grandchildren play! Between batting titles, learning the game of field hockey, or teaching his grandchildren how to hit or shoot a ball, sports was an integral part of his life.
Everyone could always depend on Ron for a good story about the “old days,” local celebrities, or times in Gloucester. He loved his ocean front towns of Gloucester and Essex and cherished his “sun bathing” at Good Harbor Beach. Whether it was walking on the Stacy Boulevard with a regular cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, or exchanging stories about Vietnam, he was always a joy to be around.
Everyone could depend in Ron regardless if it was rewiring an outlet, to building a treehouse for his grandchildren. He was a regular handyman. He spent lots of time with his family discussing new inventions that some day would earn him a patent.
Most importantly, he was loved by many friends and family. He had an incredible way with people and knew how to make others feel great about themselves, giving them a laugh or a pat on the back.
In addition to his wife of 42 years, he is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Bruce Richardson, Deanna and Scott Bodeau; five grandchildren, Alana, Jaylon and Jonah Richardson, Isabel and Scott Bodeau, II; a sister, Nancy, wife of Paul Meuse; two brothers-in-law, Richard, husband of Carolyn Clarke and Paul Clarke; and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother, Kenneth White.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30th in St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle Street, Gloucester at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, a local charity in which 100% of the proceeds go directly to the non-profit group. Please go online to https://fundly.com/memorial-veterans-donation or send your donation to 65 Cedar Street, Haverhill, MA 01930. Interment with military honors will be held privately in the Beechbrook Cemetery.