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WEBSTERVILLE - Eugene Otis White, fifth-generation Vermonter and longtime Websterville resident, cashed in his last lottery ticket on Feb. 2, 2013, at the Vermont Respite House, after an extended battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Gene was born March 15, 1931, in Waltham, a town so small it was rumored that the town records were kept in someone's closet. He was the youngest child of Harry White and Eva Kimball.
The family moved to Warren where he recalled being saved by his father from falling off the Warren covered bridge at the age of 3. They moved to Montpelier and at the age of 6, Gene lost his father in an accident. Gene graduated from Montpelier High School in 1949 and soon began employment at National Life Insurance Co.
In April 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving with the 501st Tactical Control Group in the European theater of operations during the Korean conflict. Upon his return, he rejoined National Life Insurance Co. until his retirement in 1988.
On June 30, 1956, he married Anita Crete in St. Monica Church in Barre. Together, they raised four children in Upper Websterville. He served his community as a Barre Town selectman, planning commissioner, justice of the peace and was on the Board of Civil Authority. He was a member of the Montpelier Elks Club, Montpelier Veterans of Foreign Wars, Barre American Legion, Mutuo Club and National Life Quarter Century Club.
Gene and Anita were avid golfers with Gene having two holes-in-one to his credit. They also enjoyed playing cards and wintering in the South with friends Don and Mary Jane Hayward, Taylor and Mona Millington, Duane and Pat Kittredge, and Tom and Ann Hill.
His wife, Anita, passed away May 27, 2005. He is survived by their children, Denis and Donna White, of Essex Junction, Donna and James Farless, of Hendersonville, Tenn., Diane and her companion, Lou Koniecki, of Waterford, Conn., and Doug and his companion, Amy Douglas, of Barre; also grandchildren McKenzie and Madison Farless, Dylan and wife Lindsay; and great-grandchildren Amylee and Cole.
He was predeceased by his parents and seven half-siblings.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Sylvester's Church in Graniteville.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Vermont Respite House for their outstanding dedication and perseverance. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495; or Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.
Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
On behalf of the staff at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation we offer our deepest condolences to the White family. While this is a difficult time, please know that as a foundation we can offer support and information to your family as you move forward. We sincerely hope you will join the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in the fight to permanently eliminate this disease.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
February 12, 2013
Dennis, Diane, Donna, and Doug; We were so sorry to hear about Gene. He was a good neighbor. Our deepest sympathies.
Ken and Sandra MacDonald
February 8, 2013
Denis,Donna,Diane and Doug, My sympathy to you at this time of sadness. Gene and your Mom Anita were such fine people.May the loving memories of them help you through this time of sorrow. God Bless.
Dick Cattelona
February 7, 2013
DONNA,DOUG AND FAMILY,
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF E.O.
MAY YOUR HAPPY MEMORIES OF HIM HELP YOU THRU THE ROUGH SPOTS. HE WILL BE FOREVER IN YOUR HEARTS.
SCOTT, SHEILA & MORGAN MACIVER
February 7, 2013
"Comrade" Eugene, from your brothers and sisters at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 792, Montpelier VT, "Sleep soldier boy, Sleep". Thank you for your service.
V.F.W. Brown-Johnson Post 792
February 6, 2013
Doug & The White Family:
Enjoyed working with Gene, as he was always patient and wanted the job done right! He really enjoyed his golf!!
May fond memories be with you at this time and forever...
John Major
February 6, 2013
As long as I knew Gene, I don't remember meeting any of you, his family. I first knew Gene at National Life. He was always such a gentleman and unfailingly pleasant. We reconnected a few years ago at the Elks Club where he was loving life and golf. He always had such a ready smile. Treasure your memories as Gene was a treasure. God Bless.
Alice Ennis
February 5, 2013
Denis, Donna, Diane and Doug,
I have the fond memories of your Mom & Dad and all of you when you were younger. Our families spent alot of time together and the memories I have will last forever. May God bless you all!
Marielle Gosselin Poutre
Osprey, FL
Marielle Gosselin
February 5, 2013
To the White family. so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you "kids". Velma Walker
Velma Walker
February 5, 2013
To the White family. So sorry to read of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you "kids". sincerely, Velma Walker
February 5, 2013
To Gene's Family; I will remember your parents as the some of the first friends Tom and I made when we came to Barre. Your kind rememberance of the few years Tom and I shared with them in North Carolina touched my heart. I beleive your parents are together and smiling down on all of you. May you find peace and comfort in remembering them.
Anne Candon Hill
February 5, 2013
My condolences to the children. The whimsical, witty Gene was a wonderful gentleman and the ideal golf companion in any kind of weather. Gene has left us with a smile.
David Gustafson
February 5, 2013
always enjoyed gene when we were bowling(gene was a good bowler) or just hanging around! gene had a fantastic personnality! my condolences to the family!
norm grenier
norm grenier
February 5, 2013
To Gene White's Family
When I was a newspaper Boy in Montpelier I delivered the newspaper to Gene's Mother & Father when they lived
over the dinner in Montpelier. I always remembered what a gentle man that Gene was. A friendly smile for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are
with you all at this time
John Ormsby
John Ormsby
February 5, 2013
Denis, Donna, Diane & Doug and family. I will miss your Dad terribly we had some good laughs him and I. We had a special bond and even though he was not my father I became closer to him after the passing of my own Dad. Cherish the memories of him the good and the bad as he loved you all. My heart and prayers are with you all for your loss. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Love you all.
Shirley Bennett
February 4, 2013
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