THOMAS P. WHITE

WHITE--Thomas Patrick, Jr. 1918-2012. of Fairfield, Palm Beach and New Canaan at 94. He lived his life to the fullest, playing golf, dining out, being an avid reader and movie goer until he finally succumbed to complications from a three month courageous battle with cancer. He grew up in Queens and Point Lookout, NY. He attended Bucknell and graduated St. John's College, NY. He served in WWII as a Captain in the US Army, stationed in Europe for five years, first in Reconnaissance, then as Provost Marshall investigating war crimes in Germany. He was honored with other WWII Veterans for his service by the Intrepid Museum in 2008 and on home plate thanks to the Wounded Warrior Project and the Yankees at Yankee Stadium 2012. As a young man he was an advertising model and had a reputation for dapper attire throughout his life. He later worked as a creative ad rep in New York, then switched careers to become a very successful restaurateur. He opened several restaurants, including the well known Giraffe on 58th St (receiving high ratings from the Times), then in 1966 he established the Beach Cafe, a popular upper East side restaurant still going strong both of which he owned with his brother Bill White, and his son, Thomas III never really retiring. Thomas is one of the original members of the Country Club of Darien. An avid golfer, his passion for the sport has taken him all over the world and has a record for having sunk six holes-in-one. He has cherished his friendships with his golfing partners. He was a true lover of people, lived an active social life, sharing his opinions on politics, books, sports, movies, architecture, food and fashion. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years; Tecla; son Tommy and Marilena White, son Conrad and Alison White, daughter Nicole White Kennedy and her husband and fellow restaurateur Parker Kennedy of Raleigh, NC; brother Bill and Patricia White, and nephew Bill White, and his life partner Bryan Eure, many great cousins, family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project, causes important to Tom helping our returning war heroes and their families. Visit fallenheroesfund.org or woundedwarriorproject.org. St. Thomas in Fairfield, CT at 1pm, Friday, October 19th.