William H. White

William H. White – Salem, NH

William H. White, 83 of Salem, NH passed away Monday, November 8, 2021, at Salemhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Methuen, MA, son of the late William E. and Katherine (Keefe) White.

Bill graduated from North Andover High School, class of 1956. He had a strong work ethic that was on display from a very young age. His first job was delivering milk for his father’s company, White’s Milk, in a little red truck through the streets of North Andover and Pleasant Valley. After high school, Bill started a career with Donahue Brothers where he worked for nearly 50 years. His passion, commitment, and enthusiasm for his job were on display 5 days a week. Bill was also the #1 recruiter for Donahue Brothers. Both of his brothers, all 3 sons, son-in-law, 2 grandchildren, and 2 nephews all worked for Donahue Brothers over the years thanks to Bill. Several neighborhood kids still talk about getting a ride home in the Donahue Brothers Van after a ballgame.

Bill’s #1 priority was family. He referred to his wife Cathy of 61 years as his “Best Friend”. Together they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Their home was center stage for holiday traditions, especially the annual Christmas Eve Open House, backyard pool days, and home cooked meals for anyone that would like to stop by. Bill and Cathy also liked to travel. Their adventures ranged from camping trips with the Lira family, road trips with dear friends Carol and Lew, and vacations with their children and grandchildren. They also liked to play 45’s and other card and board games with Bill’s siblings and spouses. Bill also had a library of sayings that always made people smile. Some of Bill’s favorites; “Hey, Red Sox”, “Hot Dog Here”, “Bobby Orr” when he needed to draw 4 cards, “Johnson & Johnson” for his love of baby powder, “I’m Bill White and of course you know who you are” and coming in at #1 “Bada Bing, Bada Boom!”  He reminded us often “Health is Wealth and Family is Everything!”

If you ever needed to know where to go for the best breakfast, the only person to call was Bill White!  He would proudly recommend only the very best options signified by serving a “bottomless cup of Joe!”

Bill’s wife could not have asked for a better Husband. His children could not have asked for a better Dad. His grandchildren and great grandchildren could not have asked for a better Papa. His siblings could not have asked for a better brother. His friends could not have asked for a better friend. No matter who you were to Bill, you were important. He cherished every relationship and connection he ever made. We are all thankful and grateful to have had him in our lives.

Bill was predeceased by his son William J White. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary C. (Donovan) White; sister Kathy and her husband Rick Danahy of Plaistow, NH; brothers Bob White and his wife Jane of Salem, NH, and Barry White and his wife Diane of Londonderry, NH; daughter Cathy Perreault and her husband Richard of Dayton, OH; sons Stephen White and his wife Mary Beth of Salem, NH and Kevin White and his wife Amy of Newburyport, MA. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, November 15, 2021 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at St. Joseph Parish, 40 Main Street, Salem, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to New Hampshire Food Bank @ nhfoodbank.org

Anyone wishing to attend the visitation or the Funeral Mass will be required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.  Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William H. White, please visit our floral store.