Keith J. White

Keith J. White
Keith passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on June 8th at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. Born and raised in Joliet, Keith attended Joliet East where he was a member of Kolage, and began his acting career under Arlyne Nuti, graduating in 1973. That summer he performed at Lewis University's Tangerine Tent where he met his mentor and friend Chet Kondratowicz. In the fall he became a student at Lewis where he saw and assisted in the construction of the Philip Lynch Theatre performing in the first production Scapino. He performed in over 26 productions at Lewis, his favorite being Amadeus. During his years at Lewis, he was also fortunate to study ballet under Claudette Soltis, director of the Joliet Ballet Society. His first job after graduating in 1977 was with the Indianapolis Ballet, but theatre was his first love. He became an Equity actor at Chicago's Candlelight Dinner Playhouse for two years. Missing the academic aspect of theatre, he returned to Lewis as the Theatre Manager in 1980 which he held for 11 years. He attended Northern Illinois University and received an MFA in acting and became a full-time faculty member in 1994. At the Philip Lynch Theatre he directed over 70 mainstage productions and 10 Heritage Theatre productions of which he was a founding member. He retired from Lewis in 2020. He also performed for the Joliet Drama Guild and at The Rialto Theatre with Theatre Connection.
In 2004 Lewis University awarded Keith the De La Salle Medallion for Exemplary Volunteer Service and in March of 2024 the first Dean's Lifetime Award for Excellence. For 20 years he was Board President of Regional Care and Director of the annual Regional Care Aids Walk. Keith was proceeded in death by his parents Kenneth and Phyllis (Moon) White. He is survived by his brothers Kenneth (Peggy) and Kevin (Beverly) White, nephews and niece Christopher White, Colin White and Julie (Mark) Furry, his great nephews and nieces Taylor White, Tristan White, Nikki White, Emily Furry and Kenneth Furry, and dear friends Barbara Eberhard and Linda Tuntland. Visitation for Keith will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Wednesday, June 19th from 2:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. "A Tribute for Keith" will be held at the Philip Lynch Theatre at Lewis University in Romeoville, Thursday, June 20th from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials to Lightways Hospice (lightways.org) will be appreciated. For information please call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com