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John White Obituary
For John White, life was all about helping. If a friend's bathroom pipes backed up, he soon arrived to fix them. If co-workers needed a 5 a.m. ride to work, he picked them up. If his supervisor needed him to stay until midnight on his job operating elevators at the World Trade Center, he unfailingly said yes.
Once, while he and some friends were painting the facade of a church in Brooklyn, an elderly driver crashed into some young toughs, who jumped out of their car and began pummeling the older man.
Mr. White and his friends ran over and pulled them off the driver, enraging them.
A half-hour later, the men returned with guns and started shooting, killing one of Mr. White's friends and hitting Mr. White.
"He still had a bullet in his spine," said Elsa McCaw, his sister.
"He was just a happy, good person," she said. "He was always ready to help. He's someone you want around if you're ever stuck somewhere."
Mr. White, 48, emigrated from Jamaica in 1973 and lived in Brooklyn. But his wife, Enid, disliked New York's cold, so she moved to Florida several years ago. The high points of his year were his three annual trips to Florida for a reunion with his wife and daughters, Maxine and Denise. "He was working at the trade center for 27 years, and he was seriously thinking of retiring and moving to Florida, maybe this winter," his sister said. "He missed his family very much."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kindred Family
November 15, 2019
We send our deep sympathy to your family. May God continue to help your family cope. John touched the lives of others in positive ways and is still sadly missed and will not be forgotten.
Dee
April 22, 2019
Dear family and friends of John S. White,
Johns presence has certainly been missed by all. A man that comes to the aid of a stranger is truly a self sacrificing, caring and a man with love in his heart for his fellow man. Please know that he is resting peacefully, awaiting for the day when he will be reunited with his loved ones in a peaceful world.
September 14, 2016
You are remembered with respect and honor. Your life is celebrated and may God richly bless your loved ones with peace
ellen hunter
June 6, 2012
i am a native new yorker who lived in the east village when the towers came down. 2 years later, my husband, 2 year old daughter and soon to be second daughter moved even further downtown to west street and murray, in the shadow of the towers i watched being built as a young person. when i moved downtown, in 2003, i realized that my new phone number was an old 'tower' number. it is 9 years later and we no longer use that (212) land line and yet i cannot get rid of it as i know someone said their last good-byes to a loved one on it. i am searching for that family. i googled our number and john s. white's name came up. was his work number (212) 608-6261? if you could get back to me it would mean a lot, either way. i feel your son, husband, brother, uncle, friend in every moment of every day just by living here. i appreciate your response. i am a nyc special education school teacher in lower new york who is trying to begin a movement to connect loved ones in a truly meaningful way to those who now live here. regards, ellen hunter
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Karen C Morgan
September 12, 2011
To my fellow ABM employee Hero, we the "ABM family" will always remember our co-workers and understand how you loved your buildings. Always a place for you in the Sunshine State!
God Bless.
Maxine White-Stephens
February 2, 2009
Daddy I was just sitting here thinking about you and wish you were here now. But I know God has his hand in everything and that you are alright. I love you and you your two grandsons Jonathan and Michael will learn about their Grandad and how wonderful you are. Mommy and I miss you dearly!!!
Love Always
Your baby girl
Maxine
Inner City Sports Little League
September 12, 2008
It's rainin' but there ain't a cloud in the sky
Musta been a tear from your eye
Everything'll be okay
Funny thought I felt a sweet summer breeze
Musta been you sighin' so deep
Don't worry we're gonna find a way
Remembering what we cannot forget:
September 11, 2001
Georgette Fisher-Adderley
February 28, 2008
Uncle John you are missed alot. My family and I are really sorry that you were taking from us so young, but God knows best. Maxine really misses you and your grandkids will always know about thier Grandfather. God Rest your soul and we will meet again.
Love Your Niece,
Georgette
P Tabbernor
April 18, 2007
In memory....
shirley alford
March 29, 2007
Upon reading your article i am spanky alford wife now this was wrote on feb,2002, but this spanky alford is very much alive, their have been some trying time but God have not told us to let go ,therefore we are yet hold on spanky is doing well, and doing music ministries around the county state tune for his cd realease this summer title From me to you.
Gina Judd
April 3, 2006
To everyone who knew John, how lucky you were to know such a hero. To his children and loved ones; what a blessing to have someone so giving and brave as father, husband, brother, son, coworker, and friend. If we all could be like the man I read about in the transcripts, there would never be any 911's anywhere.
My heart goes out to all of you and if it makes a difference I never would have learned the things I learned about giving sacrificing if it weren't for John's last day. So he's still giving to others even 4-1/2 years later.
Delbert & Renalyn Rochester
September 11, 2005
9/11/2005
Sadly missed by broter-in-law, sister-in-law and family. We are blessed to have known John and do know that he is now seated by the throne of God. Four years have passed but it seems as though it was yesterday. Forever in our hearts.
Maxine White-Stephens daughter
September 11, 2005
Daddy was a man who I loved dearly. His compassion for people and his warm approach made it so easy to be around him.People always say how I look just like my daddy. I remember going to different places with him and just having that wonderful father daughter relationship. He always had an encouraging word to say and always made you smile. I will never forget his words that he said to me the Monday before he died. He told me "Max, take care of your mother and remember that I love you and will always love you". I think about it all the time and think about my daddy all the time. I love him very much and I miss him dearly. But the good news is that he is in a better place resting.
I love you daddy
Love Always
your daughter Max
Mary
November 18, 2004
Find peace in his goodness and the peace he has found.
Carolyn Brady
September 11, 2002
I work for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Today on the one year anniversary we were given badgets with the individual names of victims. I was given your loved ones name. Felt I was meant to get his name since he lived in Brooklyn and I was born and raised there. Just wanted to let you know that he was remembered today.
September 11, 2002
Friends for ever
Derrick Huey
September 7, 2002
A sad loss of a wonderful person. I heard about Johns death through his cousin Robert while I was in Jamaica on vacation April 2002 and was stunned for days.
We both grew up in Claremont, Jamaica and went to school in the 60's. John would never leave without me for school in the mornings. We shared our meagre lunches togather we were fond of the same things in our young lives. We both knew we would travel one day. I left for the uk in 1970 and never kept in touch, but now he has gone to an even better place. My symphaty goes out to Johns family and friends on the anniversay of his death and may god bless his soul.
Derrick, London , England
Jose Maldonado
September 7, 2002
Well What can i say about, MY BOY.. "BIG-JOHN" He was my FRIEND and also my co-worker. Him and I would go at it clowning around and slamming against each others bodies to see who is the stongest. Then afterwards off cause like always John endded winning the match, but we always ended up laughing and hugging eachother at the end of the match. JOHN was very strong as a BULL thats how I remember him as an "IRONMAN" but TENDER hearted. I WILL MISS HIM, I HAVE NO ONE NOW TO CHALLEGE IN THE BODY MATCH, there will never be another like JOHN and no one else can ever take his place, EVER!!!!!!!
Angie Campbell
June 11, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind. May you rest in peace forever more.
Ken Hollerud
April 5, 2002
To the family of John White;
I just wanted to write and tell you that I also work for ABM. John's picture and story will forever grace the wall of my office ofr all to see and inspire.
SPANKY ALFORD
February 22, 2002
I KNOW THEIR HAVE BEEN NUMBER OF PEOPLE, FILL WITH COMPASSION WRITING THIS FAMILY, BUT THERE NO GREATER LOVE FOR A MAN OR WOMAN THEN JESUS LAYING DOWN HIS LIFE, COMPASSION IS HIS SPIRIT AND IN THE STORY OF THIS MAN IT IS TOLD.
Hezekiah (JR) Johnson
February 14, 2002
I was at my desk just thinking and John came in my mind. I've known John for years and actually worked hand in hand with him for the last two years prior to 9/11. John always had a smile but always took his job to heart and was always willing to give a hand. God bless him and his family.
December 12, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS YOU JOHN S.WHITE AND
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS YOUR
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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