THOMAS J. WHITE

AKWESASNE – Mr. Thomas J. White, 80, of 224 St. Regis Road, peacefully passed away in his sleep Monday, February 6, 2017 at his home.

Tom was born March 21, 1936 at the family home in Akwesasne, the son of the late Thomas James and Sarah Tarbell White. He attended Mohawk schools and Bombay High School. He later achieved his GED through Operation Education, Salmon River Central School and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. In 1965, he married Barbara White, which later ended divorce.

Tom was an ironworker with Local #440 and was a Life Member of the American Legion Post #1479. He was also a member of the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens, where he enjoyed visiting daily for their lunches. He found great peace in walking, reading history novels, and telling stories of his past.

Tom is survived by his children, Curtis (Jolene) White of Akwesasne and Lynne White (Brent) of Cornwall; his grandchildren, Taran and Taya Fiacco, Jheri and Thomas White, and Jarrad Jackson; his sisters, Beverly Thompson of Cornwall Island and Gertrude Sunday of Snye; his brother, David (Darcy) White of Akwesasne; his sister-in-law, Mabel White of Akwesasne; his god son, Zachary Woodley-White; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Charles Ronald White on January 18, 1978; and two sisters, Katherine White Dutton on September 3, 2002 and Martha LaFrance on September 16, 2011.

Friends may call at his home on Thursday 2-5:00 PM when a prayer service will be held. His memorial meal will follow the prayer service at the American Legion beginning at 6:00 PM. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Akwesasne.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the St. Regis Mohawk Diabetes Center of Excellence or the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.