Perry White

1948 - 2021

Perry White
January 23, 1948 - July 15, 2021
Resident of Castro Valley, CA
Perry Ben White, aka "honey" to his wife, "dada" to his 3 daughters and "papa" to his 9 grandchildren died peacefully on July 15, 2021 in Castro Valley, CA at the age of 73. He will forever be loved and missed.
Perry was born in Alameda, CA to Benjamin and Mary White on January 23, 1948. He was the oldest of four children, growing up with his 3 younger siblings Mike, Barbara, and Jimmy. Perry graduated in 1966 from Fremont High School in Oakland, CA. Upon graduating high school, our father went on to serve his country. He enlisted in the Army and was sent overseas to Vietnam. He was medically discharged 3 years later. It was then that Perry was reintroduced and fell head over heels in love with Diana Bertrand, the sister of his best friend, Larry Bertrand. They married on June 14, 1969 and would spend the next 52 wonderful years together raising three daughters.
Upon returning home from his time in the military, Perry found employment with the County of Alameda. He retired over 30 years later as a supervisor of the Alameda County Department of Child Support Services. Those who had the pleasure of working with him always spoke so highly of him. Our family has often heard how incredibly missed he was upon leaving. Never an idle man, after retirement Perry went on to serve 9 years on the committee of the 1st United Credit union which he enjoyed immensely.
Growing up we witnessed countless acts of compassion displayed by our father from stepping in to help our elderly neighbors with their gardening and painting, to caring for our Uncle with Alzheimer's. He exuded kindness, a quiet strength, and endless patience for those around him. Our father was a true gentleman who had a heart of gold. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and always saw the glass as half full.
Perry enjoyed a good book, golfing, gardening but his true pride and joy was his family, and each one of us felt that every day. He had this way of making everyone feel so valued and special. Our father cherished spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren above all else. He loved vacations and a nice meal out with his wife, "cruising" with his family, an afternoon on the golf course with his "sons" and grandkids, paint nights with his "girls," and rooting on his grandchildren at their various sporting events. His quick wit, knowledge about space exploration, and captivating storytelling will be missed by all. The memories we have been blessed with will be treasured for a lifetime.
Perry is survived by his amazing wife and our mother, Diana. His daughters: Janice and Robert Moniz (Son in law), Jo Ann and Mark Fetzer (Son in law), and Denise and Joshua Cooper (Son in law). He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren: Cody and Cameron Moniz, Alan Blair, Valerie, James and Logan Fetzer, Emily, Ashley and Connor Cooper. In addition, he is survived by his siblings: Mike White, Barbara White, and Jimmy White.
The family would like to thank the medical staff of Eden Hospital for their loving care of Perry during his final days. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society or DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Whenever we look up at the stars or hear the song "Sugar Shack" we will all smile and think fondly of our "honey", "dada" and "papa". We love you more than words and will miss you beyond belief.


View the online memorial for Perry White