Charles R. “Bob” White, age 87, of Medford, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 29th, at Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford. He was the son of the late Charles W. and June May (Clements) White.
Born and raised in Somerville, Bob enlisted in the United States Army in 1957 and served during the early years of the Vietnam War. While serving in Germany, he was joined by Betty, and they were married. After arriving back in the states, he and Betty settled in Medford, where they raised their family and where he became a self-employed master plumber. He enjoyed a fulfilling career and worked well into his 70’s.
Above all else, Bob enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He was always there for them under any circumstances, providing wisdom, understanding, and immense kindness. Everyone who knew Bob knew how special of a man he truly was. He had a kind heart that he passed down along to the members of his family. He adored his children, and especially his grandchildren; they were the apple of his eye. Bob always said “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all”, and he was the kind of man who meant it.
He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Patriots and the Celtics, but nothing was better than watching his grandkids sporting games. He and Betty vacationed every year for 16 years in Aruba. He loved all of his pets. Bob was a kind and generous man with strong faith. He was baptized this year into the Catholic faith and regularly attended Mass with his family at St. James Parish, in Grafton.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth A. “Betty” (DiJulia) White. He was the devoted father of Paula White of Medford, Stacy Willar and her husband Keith of Grafton, and the late Robert M. White, who passed away this September. He was the loving grandfather of Olivia White, John "Jake" Willar, Brooke Willar, and Sean Willar.
Bob’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Thursday, January 5th, at 10:30 AM followed by a funeral mass in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family, Wednesday from 4 - 6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.