Lawrence R. White

Lawrence R. White, 87, of North Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday August 31, 2021, where he was cared for in his final months by his loving family.

Lawrence was born in Massena, New York on March 26, 1934, to the late William and Leona White.

Lawrence grew up on the family farm and in high school majored in machine shop, which he loved and excelled at. He had excellent math skills and enjoyed working with his hands.

He met Jean M. Chapin at a dance in 1953 and the couple married August 25, 1956. They honeymooned in Niagara Falls, New York.

Upon returning from their honeymoon, Lawrence enlisted in the Air Force where he served as an airplane hydraulic mechanic between the Korean and Vietnam Wars from 1956 until he was honorably discharged in 1960. During this time, the couple lived in Yuma, Arizona and Tampa, Florida before their return to New York. He remained in the active reserves until 1962.

Lawrence enjoyed carpentry and built the family's home in Adams, New York. He became a union carpenter and served as the union's secretary for several years, even traveling to Washington, DC to represent the carpenter's union. He also served for several years as a volunteer fireman in Adams, NY.

Lawrence enjoyed hunting and playing with his children and grandchildren. He liked to read, mostly western novels, liked military movies and country music. He and Jean liked to square dance as well. In younger years he enjoyed cookouts and swimming at the beach.

Lawrence's love of woodworking continued into his retirement when he and Jean built, wood-burned, and painted many projects for their children and grandchildren, each a labor of love. Over the years they had several pets, both dogs and cats, but the most beloved was his shih-tzu, Princess.

For their 50th wedding anniversary, Lawrence and Jean traveled to Hawaii and renewed their wedding vows on the beach with a Hawaiian minister officiating.

Lawrence and Jean were married for 65 years and had four children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, William and Leona White; brothers and sisters, Donald White, Bernard White, Vivian Kerr, Alice Kerr, and June Smithers; son-in-law Mark Martin; and granddaughter, Ariel Dobbins.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Jean White; a son, Dean White; three daughters, Susanne Martin, Audrey O'Shea (Rick Martinez) and Patty (Dan) Dobbins; his grandchildren and their significant others, Constance (Mark) Ballard, Lindsay Allen (Mike Hitsman) and Silver (Zak) Phillips; great-grandchild, Wyatt Ballard; and siblings Eileen Isenhart, Anson White and Wayne White.

Family and friends may call on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 N. Main St, North Syracuse, NY, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00am. The burial will follow at 1:30 pm at Fairview Cemetery, Edwards, NY.

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