Douglas White

White, Douglas E.
Douglas (Dougie) Edward White, aka the Mayor of Stamford, Ghost Master, Batman (to name a few), passed through the gates of Emerald City on December 30, 2015 after readying himself for what would be his last bike ride. Born on February 11, 1947 to Francis Edward and Mary Ellen (Hunt) White, Dougie would one day grow up to change the world.
Dougie, guardian and protector of this fair city, loved his job whether it was haunting his driveway in full Halloween regalia in July, running the roads on his supped up bike (aka the Ghost Rider), singing the oldies at the car show, collecting bottles, playing ball with the neighborhood kids, discussing the latest (and by latest I mean rerun) of Leave It to Beaver or Green Acres, or visiting with his beloved "constituents" and partaking in their food. This gentle giant of Stamford was our constant and comfort seeing the good in each and every one of us.
And although we all know the impact he had on us on a personal level. Not many may know that Dougie's life made a profound impact at the regional, state and national level. Born at a time when individuals with disabilities and their families had few options, Doug was a driving force for his father and mother to bring about change. His father, Francis E. White, worked diligently and deliberatively campaigning and serving on boards at all levels of government to ensure individuals with disabilities had legal protections, the right to an education, and access to the community and vocational opportunities. He also was one of the founders of the non-profit Always Reach for Independence of Connecticut, established in in 1952 and based in Stamford. ARI enriches the lives of people with disabilities and their families by enabling them to achieve their fullest potential at home, at work, and in the community. Dougie was a part of the ARI community and worked for ARI until his recent retirement.
Thus, we bid farewell to our dear Dougie White, to whom we will love, miss and remember. His sparkling blue eyes and contagious smile will be forever forged in our hearts and minds.
"Uncle Dougie" is survived by his nephew and caregiver, Matthew Manka and his wife Dina of Stamford, CT; his niece, Jennifer Robichaud and her husband Ron of Westbrook, ME; nephew, Michael Manka Jr. and wife Nicole of Newtown, CT; niece, Melissa and her partner Matthew of Belvidere, VT; and grand nieces and nephews Matthew, Lindsey, Bryanna, Kaylee, Meagan, Andrew, Brandon, Abigail, Jacob, Madeline, and Sofia. He is predeceased by his father, Francis White; mother, Mary (Hunt) White; sister, Marilyn (White) Manka; and brother-in-law, Michael Manka Sr.
We invite friends, family and community to join us in the Celebration of Dougie's Life and Legend at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Monday, January 4, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 PM and on Tuesday, January 5, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon, with a funeral procession leaving at 12 noon for a funeral service to be celebrated at the Stamford Church of Christ , 1264 High Ridge Road, Stamford at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road. A reception will then follow and all are welcome to share memories and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign titled Douglas White's Funeral Expenses to assist the family in covering Dougie's medical and funeral expenses. Contributions that exceed these needs will be donated to Always Reaching for Independence of Connecticut.
Lastly, we would like to thank the great people of Stamford for opening your hearts and home to Dougie White. Your care and support has been and is overwhelming and awe-inspiring.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com