William R. White

In Taunton, William R. White, Age 93, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on February 7, 2026. William was the loving husband of his late wife Edith V. (Pouliot) White. He was born in Passaic, N.J., the son of the late William R. White and Laura G. (Morin) White. In his early years, William lived with his mother Laura and his Aunt Eva (Morin) McGowan and Uncle John McGowan. Uncle John was William’s father figure. They lived with them until Aunt Eva and Uncle John had their two children, Carol and John “Jackie” McGowan at which time William was 10 years old. The McGowan Family was very important throughout William’s life.

William was educated in Taunton schools, a graduate of the former Monsignor Coyle High School, Graduate of Bridgewater State University with Honors, and full Scholarship and Fellowship to Clark University earning his Master’s Degree in Geography.

William enlisted in the Army National Guard serving three years, 17-20 years old with an Honorable Discharge. William and Edith married on June 13, 1953. He worked hard his entire life most times working two jobs. His employment includes F.B. Rogers, the Tannery in shipping, Swanks, then worked at General Motors, and both the Taunton Dog Track and Raynham Dog Track. He worked full time nights at the Tannery while going to Bridgewater State University full time days. Upon graduation from Clark University, William taught in surrounding Cities and Towns and taught at the old Taunton High School before then accepting a position as a Geography and History teacher at the new Brockton High School in the yellow building, in September 1969. He remained at Brockton High until his retirement from teaching in 1994. William continued to work at Crack-Sealing, Inc. until 2018.

William loved his life, his late wife Edie, family, and friends. He had a heart of gold. He had many pets throughout his life that he treasured. He leaves behind Queenie, Precious, and Princess who gave him much pleasure, peace and joy. He enjoyed renting the cottage at Mitchell Lane in Brewster for the Summer when his family was young, and camping at Nickerson State Park, traveling to N.Y. World’s Fair, Hershey Village Pennsylvania, Disney World in Florida, cruises, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Aruba, and for the past 34 years, Sint Maarten. William had a love for the Island of St. Maarten/ St Martin and especially for the people on the island, many of which became family. St. Maarten was his second home. He always looked forward to traveling there numerous times a year.  He enjoyed playing Caribbean stud polka, dining out, going to shows, the island music, his 40’s and 50’s music, golf, and spending time with island family and friends. William attended musical performances, theatre, Boston Red Sox, enjoyed March Madness basketball, both college football and the NFL. He attended many New England Patriots games including playoff games.

William is survived by his children Christine V. Nazzaro and husband Steve Monteiro of South Weymouth, Robin A. White and husband Steven Keseian of South Easton, William R. White III of Puerto Rico, Susan M. Lanahan and Bill Sprague of Punta Gorda, FL, and Jennifer L. Rego and husband Paul of Taunton. He also leaves his grandchildren Eugene Nazzaro, Stephanie White and husband Stephen Grimmett, Jessica Lanahan, Katie Flynn and husband Cory, Tara Lanahan, Michael Lanahan Jr., Johnathan Rego, Andrew Rego, Victoria Rego, and Eric Rego, great grandchildren Ethan, Evelyn, Jackson, and Weston. His cousins Carol and John “Jackie” McGowan predeceased him as did son-in-law Michael Lanahan whom he loved. A very special person in his life was Laura Kischitz. He loved her very much for her many loving visits through the years, her homemade peach pies, meals, and baked goods and especially the visits with the children. In addition, he leaves many loving  nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews along with many friends.

William also leaves his St. Maarten family who were all very special in his life; Pravis Henry and wife Kelittle and family, Ederson Osias and wife Lina and family, Elmer Willems, Nina Persaud, Sadie Willems, and husband Jeffrey and family, Mickey Daniel, our RIC Family, and others all of St. Maarten. He leaves dear friend Noemi Van Der Gugten and husband Albert and family originally of St. Maarten, now residing in Switzerland, and Elba van den Heuvel of Amsterdam.

Funeral from the O’Keefe Wade Funeral, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780 on Tuesday, February 17th at 9 am Followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Taunton at 10 am. Relatives and friends are also invited to visiting hours on Monday, February 16th, from 5-7 pm. Burial will be in the family lot in St. Francis Cemetery in Taunton. Visit our website www.okeefewade.com to sign the online guestbook, view obituaries and obtain directions.

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