Peter L. White
Peter L. White, 63, 628 New York Ave, Watertown, passed away Wednesday February 8, 2012 at Samaritan Medical Center.
Mr. White was born May 6, 1948 in Watertown, a son of Stephen J. and Frances A. Kousch White, he was the youngest of five brothers. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1966 and entered the United States Marines the same year. During his service he was wounded in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1968
On July 18, 1970, he married Melanie Gorri at St. Anthony’s Church with Reverend Joseph A. Conti presiding. The couple’s reception was held at the Hotel Woodruff on Public Square. In 1971, he went to work at CFM Foods as a food service salesman. In 1973, he began working for his father in law, Mel Gorri, at Northern Bakery Supply. He received his associates’ degree in Hospitality and Tourism from Jefferson Community College in 1980. In 1986, he and his wife purchased Northern Bakery Supply and ran the business together for the last 25 years. Mr. White enjoyed and valued the relationships he had with his customers over the years. He counted many among his close friends.
Mr. White made attending his family’s activities his priority. He was always generous with his time and offered to help anyone in their time of need. He was honest and hard working. He was best known for telling jokes. People expected to be greeted with his warm smile and a new joke as he would approach them. Mr. White enjoyed trips to the casinos with his wife, Classic Cars and driving around in his restored 1948 Chevy Pickup Truck. He also cheered for Syracuse University Basketball and New York Yankee Baseball teams. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #496, the Italian American Civic Association and the Northside Improvement League.
Surviving besides his wife are two sons and a daughter in law; P. Scott, Boston, MA, Dr. Jason F. and Michele, Watertown, a daughter; Jessica L., Ithaca, two brothers and their wives; Richard S. and Lou, Portland, OR, Jonathan A. (Lonnie) and Kathy, Elmira, NY, two grandchildren; Madison and Michael White. He also had two sister in laws and their husbands, Marlene and Nic Darling, Watertown; Michele and Ron Quartulli, Watertown; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Robert F. and Gerry W.
Calling hours will be Sunday from 2-5pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. The Elks will conduct a memorial service at 4:45pm during calling hours. A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 am at the funeral home with Reverend Leon Schilling officiating. Burial with military honors will be in North Watertown Cemetery. Family would appreciate contributions in his name being made to The Peter L. White Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Northern New York Community Foundation, 120 Washington Street, Suite 400, Watertown, NY 13601. The scholarship will be established for a student studying in the Hospitality and Tourism field at Jefferson Community College. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.
