Joseph P. White

Joseph P. White, 92, of Canton, passed away quietly in the early morning hours of Monday, April 6, 2026. True to his thoughtful nature, his final words were “Thank you.”

Joe, one of eight children, was born on May 5, 1933, in Ossining, New York. He grew up in Chappaqua, New York, and graduated from St. John’s Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts. He began his career working for his father’s insurance agency in midtown Manhattan and went on to spend many years in the insurance industry, retiring from USF&G in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Joe later earned his CDL and finished his working years as a beloved school bus driver.

Joe was a life-long runner until his early 70’s when he took up walking. He kept that up even in his last years, first walking laps of the perimeter of his property, where he wore a path into the grass, and then most recently, faithfully doing laps inside his house with his walker.

Joe enjoyed reading, washing his car, watching baseball and football, and cherished swapping stories with his friends over coffee.

On October 12, 1968, Joe married the love of his life, Roberta Edwards, in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. In 1971, they opened their hearts and home to adopt a one year-old baby girl, Valerie Mary. She quickly became the apple of her father’s eye, and the love shared within this close family of three was deep and enduring.

Roberta predeceased Joe in 2016. He was also predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary McLaughlin White; his siblings, Edward White Jr., Gerard (Mary Ellen) White, Sr. Therese Mary White, Loretta (Bernard) Cantwell, Regina (John) Tighe; and his brother-in-law, Lawrence Brandon.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Valerie White (Stuart Gardner) of Canton; his siblings, Dolores Brandon and Peter White (Joie); and many nieces and nephews.

Joe will be remembered for his kindness, fairness, sense of humor, and sincerity. He was devoted to caring for Roberta throughout her journey with Alzheimer’s, adoring and deeply proud of his daughter Valerie, and unwavering in his love for his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canton Free Library, 8 Park Street, Canton, NY 13617. Please honor Joe by doing quiet, random acts of kindness. He’ll live on through the care you show for others.

Memories and condolences may be shared online by visiting his memorial page at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Joseph P. White are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.