Michael A. White

1984 - 2017

Michael A. White

Poughkeepsie - Michael Anthony White, a life-long resident of the City of Poughkeepsie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday the 20th of December.

Michael was a vibrant, kind and passionate artist who treasured and held dear the city of Poughkeepsie and all it's artistic possibilities. He shared his art freely and always wanted to be able to have children use art to express their character and feelings. Becoming an artist starts not by taking a pen or a paintbrush, in hand. With Michael, it started when he began to tune into his young childlike world and found the inspiration that nurtured his story, no matter the form it took. He saw all of Poughkeepsie and its people as his subjects and canvas. His community held endless possibilities for him to create.

He was the son of Katherine White (Poughkeepsie) and the late Norman White (St. Louis.) He was born in Vassar Hospital, Poughkeepsie, NY on August 3, 1984. He was baptized at St. Mary's Church, Poughkeepsie, NY. He started school in the City of Poughkeepsie school district at Morse School, moved onto Smith School, Poughkeepsie Middle School and then graduated from Poughkeepsie High School on June 2002. He attended Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI and completed his master's degree at SUNY New Paltz. He was certified in NYS as a Visual Arts teacher. He taught art in Poughkeepsie and Newburgh school districts.

He was very involved in creating community art throughout Poughkeepsie. He painted numerous murals around the city and often in collaboration with his mentor Nestor Madealengoitia. Michael was most proud of his mural at the Poughkeepsie High School football field.

In addition, his involvement in the art community included membership in the Barrett Art Center, where he began taking art lessons at age 5. He always participated in the 100 for 100 Barrett Art Center Gala fundraiser. He was involved in the Dutchess County Arts Council and participated in the Mural Square Project. He was a frequent exhibitor at the Howland Art Center for African American Artists in the Hudson Valley. Michael was the first recipient of the Dutchess County Executive Art Award for Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts .

Michael is survived by his mother, Katherine and his beloved brother Patrick. In addition, he is survived by his aunt Nancy Melilli, Uncle Tony Melilli, Grandmother Betty White, Aunt Marvina White, Uncle Arnold Rampersad, Aunt Vanessa Hare and his cousins, Felicia, Brianna, and Olivia Melilli, Sarah and Diane Hare, Luke Rampersad and Anikah McLaren. His Grandmother Marie Hare, Aunt Susan Hare and Uncle Bob Hare predeceased Michael.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of William G. Miller & Son Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, December 27 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. The funeral mass will be held Thursday, December 28 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Church. If desired, donations may be made in Michael's memory to the Barrett House: Barrett Art Center, 55 Noxon Street, Poughkeepsie, New York, 12601, 845.471.2550 www.BARRETTARTCENTER.ORG . For directions or to send online condolences, please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com