Richard A. White, Sr.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday December 15th from 4-7 PM.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday December 16th at the funeral home at 11 AM. A livestream of the service can be viewed here

The family requests face masks to be worn.

Burial with military honors will follow in Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery.

The Kingston Rotary Club will conduct a ritual at 5:30 PM, the Post 1396 VFW and Post 150 American Legion will conduct a joint ritual at 6:30 PM and the Elks Lodge will conduct their ritual at 6:45 PM

Richard A. White, Sr., former Mayor of the City of Kingston died at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck on Wednesday December 8, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Born November 16, 1930 in Scranton, Pennsylvania he is the son of the late Donald E. and Eleanor (Hughes) White.

Raised in Waverly, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Waverly High School in the Class of 1947. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 and served aboard the U.S.S. Basilone and the U.S.S. Gearing during the Korean War. He was employed by New York Telephone Company and Verizon from 1954 until 1993. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. In retirement, he installed telecommunication lines in entertainment venues throughout the northeast, including the Grammy awards, Lollapalooza and the Miss America Pageant.

He was a quintessential public servant; active in both politics, firematics, and community service. He served as Alderman to the City of Kingston's old Seventh Ward, and was elected mayor in 1986, winning every ward and district which had never been done before. He served this position with distinction, being "the people's mayor." He was the only two term Republican mayor for the past fifty seven years and counting.

He was a volunteer firefighter for A.H. Wicks Engine and Truck Co., a member of the Kingston Exempt Fireman, and a founding member of the City of Kingston Volunteer Fireman's Museum. A member of Rotary International, where he was named Rotarian of the Year. During his membership, the Kingston Rotary Club restored Kingston Point Park, which is now known as Rotary Park. He was a member of the Kingston Elks Lodge #550, where he was awarded the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. He was active in scouting with Troop 12 and the Kingston Indian Drum and Bugle Corp. He was a member of the Joyce Schirick Post 1386 VFW and Kingston Post 150 American Legion.

Surviving are two sons; Richard A. White, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, Keith J. White and his wife Maryann, two daughters; Miriam E. White (Lee Maddy), and Linda-Sue Murphy. Two brothers; John White and his wife Carol, and Gerard White. Grandchildren; Alexander C. Longendyke and his wife Ashley, Austin J. Murphy and Adam W.R. Murphy. One great grandchild Jacob Richard Longendyke. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

His wife Joan Riseley White, infant grandson Eric J. Murphy, brother Donald E. White, Jr., sister Barbara Jean White, and former son in law James J. Murphy predeceased him.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to Honor Flight of the Hudson Valley- P.O. Box 375 Walden, NY 12586 Attn: Donations. Or the City of Kingston Volunteer Fireman's Museum-265 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. The family extends their great appreciation to the dedicated staff at Mountain Valley Manor, Hudson Valley Hospice and the Med/Surg Unit at Northern Dutchess Hospital for the care of Dick and his family during his final days.