Obituary of Robert Frank White

A resident of Pompton Lakes, NJ for 44 years, Bob was originally from Paterson, NJ. He is the beloved husband to Elizabeth “Bette” M. White, née Morrison, for 48 years and only son to the late Lora and Frank White of Paterson. Compassionate Father to Meagan Elizabeth (Jason Smith), Heather Anne (Ryan Walsh) and Kyle Robert White (Ashley). Fun and loving Grandpa to Amelia and Lorelei Smith, Madeleine and Declan Walsh, Robert, Charlotte and Thomas White. A supportive Brother-in-Law and cherished Uncle to many nieces and nephews. As a child, Bob attended school at Blessed Sacrament in Paterson. Upon entering high school, Bob studied refrigeration and air conditioning at Passaic County Technical Institute. He graduated in 1970. Before graduation, while working at the Rag Shop in Hawthorne, he met the love of his life, Bette. One night he pointed Bette out to his Father and said, “I’m going to marry her one day.” And marry her he did, on a beautiful fall day in 1972. This past autumn, Bob and Bette celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary at their favorite restaurant, Aldo’s of Wyckoff. During their early years together, Bob and Bette learned to scuba dive so that when they traveled to the Caribbean, they could see all the tropical fish awaiting them on the ocean floor. Together, they traveled up and down the Eastern Coast, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys, Canada, Arizona, Missouri and Bermuda. In their later years, they enjoyed spending their vacation time in Southwest Florida on the islands of Captiva and Sanibel. Most recently, Bob and Bette cruised to Alaska and had plans to return this spring. We can’t help but wonder if Bob had something to do with the powerful solar flare that brought the solar lights to the northern states shortly after his passing. In 1971, Bob joined the NJ National Guard. He attended basic training in Fort Knox, KY and was stationed out of the Teaneck Armory until 1977. His refrigeration career started with Harry Page and went on to Glass Gardens, INC., ABCO HVACR Supply + Solutions, Blasco Supply, INC., Carrier and Trane. Bob’s work always reflected endless pride, and it was illustrated by his tireless ability to successfully provide for his beloved family. Bob enjoyed the life he and Bette created together, and they treated every day as a very special day. He loved sharing everything he had with his family. He especially enjoyed cooking large family dinners. Bob would start his menu days in advance and gather specialty items at Uncle Giuseppe’s in Ramsey. All the grandchildren would wait around the table excited to see, hear and taste what special treats Grandpa made just for them. We will forever wish for one more delicious family meal with him. Bob was one of a kind. He broke the mold. He had such a big, kind heart and he cared so much. No matter how busy he was, he always had time to talk and could always make you smile and laugh. Bob had a way with all who met him. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bob’s name to K9sforwarriors.org. Bob loved animals and knew how well they could help heal the broken. When the time is right, we will have a celebration for Bob’s magnificently blessed life with everyone who loved him and whom he loved in return.