Feb. 6, 2019

A Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon John L. White, age 67 of Ogdensburg was held at 10 a.m. on Feb. 2 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, with Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley, Bishop of Ogdensburg officiating. Burial will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Deacon White passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Lou; a son, Justin White and his wife, Jessica of Heuvelton; a daughter, Jillian White of LaBelle FL; grandchildren, Ryleigh White, Alan Johnson, Luke Johnson and Niko Newson; two brothers, Louis White of Vernon, NY, and James White and his wife, Patricia, of Sylvan Beach; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas White; two sisters, Irene Burns and Ellen White; and a sister-in-law, Barrie White.

Deacon White was born on October 19, 1951 in Ogdensburg, a son of the late Philip & Catherine (Pilon) White. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1969 and continued his education at Jefferson Community College and SUNY Brockport, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He later married Mary Lou Farrell on September 4, 1982 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

During his career, he worked as a dairy farmer in Lisbon, bartender in Ogdensburg, therapy aide and director of Personnel and Human Resources at Sunmount Developmental Center in Tupper Lake until 2011.

In September of 2009, he was ordained a Deacon at St. Mary’s Cathedral. His diocesan appointments included associate director of Deacon Formation; Public Policy Council of the NYS Catholic Conference; director of Deacon Formation; and spiritual director of the Ogdensburg Curia of the Legion of Mary. Deacon White was also a chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and sat on the ethics board for Claxton Hepburn Medical Center.

John enjoyed golfing, gardening, ministry and spending time with his grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Cathedral 415 Hamilton St; Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or the Martin’s Club Fieldhouse “Knights of Columbus” 721 Hasbrouck St; Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.