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Richard White Obituary
Richard grew up in Groton sharing his childhood with three brothers and a sister. He spent most of his life in New London County where both his parents' families had helped shape the local history of farming, whaling, and boat building. Fascination with that history and a joy in stories led Richard to become a teacher and author who, in his best-loved book, brought locals Jordan Freeman and Colonel William Ledyard back to life.
The family is grateful for the gift of Richard's last months at home which were made possible by his dedicated caregivers from Right at Home, friends from the Williams School, and especially Muriel "Bunny" Benton whose cherished friendship and practical assistance made all the difference to him and to them.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Alison (Gary) Newton of Meredith, N.H.; granddaughters, Shelby, Lily, and Ivy; and great-granddaughter Claire; as well as one brother, David, of Florida.
Donations may be made to the Bill Memorial Library in Groton. A private service will be held in the spring, at the time of what would have been Richard's 90th birthday.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard White
Martin Champagne
July 13, 2025
Mr. White was my English teacher in high school. He was charismatic, interesting, and inspiring. I looked forward to his classes. He inspired me to major in English in college and ultimately a career where a lot of my work is writing. I think about him often. He really made a difference in the world.
Elisa Zapp
May 27, 2024
I wish I had had an opportunity to meet the man that was my Biological Uncle. Thanks to others choices I had no knowledge of this fact. I hope for peace and fond memories for his his Daughter Allison.
Rob Clark
March 29, 2023
I always seem to arrive years late and a dollar short to everything. Goodbye Mr. White. I will always remember your stories of Rogers' Rangers and Glooskap to our 9th grade English class. You were the real life version of Gandalf. Many of our conversation are etched in stone in my mind. You were truly a pivotal person in life.
John B. Watson
April 29, 2021
My deepest condolences to Richard’s family. Mr. White as I always called him, was my former journalism and creative writing teacher at Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, NH. He also directed me in Shakespeare’s Antigone. In addition to being an outstanding teacher, he was a gifted, published novelist.
Over the years we exchanged 30 letters, cards, and postcards. Each one filled with his signature wit and wisdom. I still have them all and read each of them today. He was the kind of teacher, friend, and mentor you dream of having, but are seldom fortunate enough to receive. He was kind, intelligent, supportive, humble, funny, direct, honest, encouraging, and at times, endearingly stubborn. He showed a genuine interest in my goals, struggles, friends, family, love life, career, and health. He always knew just what to say, at precisely the right moment.
My heart is heavy as I type this. He will be missed. I will cherish our phone conversations and hearing his warm voice. I hope he knew how much he meant to me and to so many other, former students. I can’t believe I was fortunate enough to know him, let alone to be his friend. Rest well Mr. White. You live on through your letters and stories.
His books: Sword of the North, Mister Grey, Jordan Freeman Was My Friend, A Child In Hamelin, These Stones Bear Witness.
Robert Hawking
March 2, 2021
Richard was a beloved colleague at Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, NH. He was faculty adviser to the student newspaper, and I volunteered to introduce his student staff to desk-top publishing on my primitive office Mac-Plus. We have all come a long way since. Peace and eternal life, my friend.
Linda Brodeur
March 2, 2021
On behalf of the entire Bishop Guertin Community I share our heartfelt condolences at this time. Please be assured of our ongoing thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead.
Linda Brodeur, President BGHS
Deirdre Christman
February 24, 2021
I have many fond memories of Dick, who was truly a gentleman and a scholar. What wit! And what a storyteller! If there is a heaven, he's regaling the angels with his clever insights.
Jim Miller, ELHS 1980
February 23, 2021
But I reckon I got to light out for the territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can’t stand it. I been there before.
God bless and Godspeed, Mister White.
Tom Fagin
February 19, 2021
I will always feel immense admiration and respect for my teacher, Mr. White.
It was my privilege to sit in his classroom in 2004 where I received his insights into the worlds of Macbeth, Brave New World, and Beowulf. No other teacher that I recall was better able to stand and deliver. The room was always hushed as he spoke, this in spite of the fact that we were high school sophomores with plenty of rambunctiousness to expend.
Mr. White's approach to storytelling was deliberate, compassionate and endlessly entertaining. I remember the mischief-making grin that preceded any one of his trademark cracks. (What happened to the lady who backed into a propeller blade?) He effortlessly summoned scenes from history and literature and populated them with evocative details. I like to think his Irish ancestors would have smiled.
He ushered us into his conversations, challenged us, made us feel important. I have held onto papers that he graded. Invariably, I would find myself addressed as "Sir" and see that he had punched out invaluable guidance from his typewriter.
Amidst the tumult of adolescence and high school pressures, the class periods we shared were calming. He showed us that he understood our struggles and that he cared. I came away from each class period feeling reassured about the world, about my own value and the value of others. It is no surprise to see how so many others have written in with tales of how Mr. White moved or inspired them.
I had the pleasure of corresponding with Mr. White a few times after graduation and even receiving a copy of Mister Grey through the mail. Reading his novels helped me better realize and appreciate what a gift it was to be in the same classroom with such talent.
I remember feeling mournful whenever the class bell rung, reluctant to leave the stories and the worlds he created. It is our good fortune, however, that kindness and wisdom are not one time events. Like words on the page, they travel with us.
Thank you for everything, Mr. White. I was privileged to have been your student !
Marilyn Mullen Pierce
February 19, 2021
I’m saddened to hear about passing of Mr. White. He was such a wonderful man and an inspiration to many at The Williams School. I took both his sophomore and senior English classes. I enjoyed my conversations with him so much, the jokes he told in class, and his wisdom. He endearingly called me Priscilla (after an ancestor he was convinced we had in common)and even attended my dance performances outside of school. He was just such a kind, humorous and caring man.
He held a special place in the hearts of many of the class of 2005. We selected him as our graduation speaker and I’ve never forgotten the last line of his speech. He was talking about what made The Velveteen Rabbit real. He left us with the advice “love and be real, all the rest is incidental.” I’ve carried that advice with me always, especially when I became a teacher myself. I also promise to read my kids the real Little Mermaid someday in his honor. Rest In Peace Mr.White. Thank you for being one of the great ones. My deepest condolences to your family.
Linda van Eck
February 18, 2021
I will remember him fondly. He was my son's (class of 2011) favorite teacher at Williams and I, too,
always enjoyed talking with him. He was a classic , teaching the classics ,and will be sorely missed.
With sincere sympathy, LvE
Claudia Luke
February 17, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Gayle Ewald
February 17, 2021
Sending condolences and sympathy to the family of Richard White. Dick was a cherished colleague during my time (2000–2010) at Williams. He was both gentleman and scholar, whose dedication to teaching adolescents allowed him to suffer the chips and dents of his audience with perennial grace and compassion. Dick’s enthusiasm for teaching was only outpaced by his unmitigated accessibility to all students...of all levels...at all times. His vocation is complete.
May he rest in perfect peace...
Gayle (Holt) Ewald
Stephanie Belanger
February 17, 2021
Prayers to his family. So sorry for your loss. I remember having him as a teacher in high school.
Taylor Heyl
February 17, 2021
Nulli secundus.
Emma Schaeffer
February 17, 2021
I had Mr. White as an English teacher at the Williams School back in 2006. He was an unforgettable and fantastic teacher. He wasn't concerned with whether we made the grade on the first try--what he cared about was whether we truly understood the material and dug into things. He'd let us try again as many times as needed, because the goal wasn't the A, the goal was to learn. It was a clever trick; students would think they were able to guarantee a high grade, when they were actually putting in extra work and writing to get there.
To this day, I'll hear a word or phrase and one of Mr. White's jokes will pop into my head ("Do you brush your teeth with gunpowder to make your hair come out in bangs?"). He always had a clever comment ready to make us laugh. He absolutely refused to use email. If you wanted to ask him something, your options were to linger outside the door to the faculty room, or leave a handwritten note. He had a bag of menthol cough drops around at all times, and if a student coughed in class, even once, he'd immediately toss one their way. He once said, when talking about his family, "You're never old enough to lose your parents." That one stuck with me.
When I arrived at college, caught between the freedom and the unfamiliarity, Mr. White mailed me a letter that was so full of kindness and wisdom it lived pinned to my wall all year.
Mr. White was one of those teachers whose teaching went beyond the subject matter. He taught students to learn, to read, to be kind. I wish I had been in touch, all these years later--but I know his advice and witticisms will endure, for me and for so many other students who were lucky enough to take his class.
Thanks for everything, Mr. White.
Andrea Arsenault
February 17, 2021
I would like to offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to Mr White's family, and to all who knew and loved him. He was such a caring man who inspired me, and many others, to work toward reaching our full potential. He has touched so many and will remain in our hearts. I only wish I could I have told him how much he impacted my life. He was an amazing person.
Gabby Sapia
February 17, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. White's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at Williams. I always loved reading and his class helped that love grow. He had such a great sense of humor and big personality. Thank you for all you've done for so many, Mr. White. My condolences and heartfelt sympathies to his family.
Frank Flanagan
February 17, 2021
How do you say goodbye to such a man? A teacher, friend and an inspiration. I can still see you walking, tilting your long, lean frame in the March wind along McCook's Point, donning a Shetland sweater. A book in your hand, naturally. You were a truly mythical figure in Niantic culture. Additionally, you were such a kind man, a true intellectual, and a creative force. For instance, you actually wrote, and published books! And you talked to troubled kids with wise patience. Finally, you were the best English teacher I ever had. I don't think I ever forgot a single word that came out of your mouth.
“He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again.”-Hamlet
February 17, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mr White was one of my Favorite teachers in high school. 1972 - 1976. He always had a smile on his face. I would see him walking when he lived at twin havens. He was a special soul. Judy Gordon Teel & Ken Teel class of 76
Noah Bogdonoff
February 17, 2021
Mr. White shaped so much of who I am as a writer, teacher, and person. His lessons have stuck with me over the nearly 15 years since I was lucky enough to be his student, and I've often quoted him in my own lectures as a college writing instructor. More to the point, I always, always felt his unwavering respect and kindness, even as he challenged me to be a better writer and thinker. I'm so sad to learn of his passing, but extremely grateful to have known him, even in such a limited capacity.
Trevor Klee
February 17, 2021
He will be missed. He was truly gracious, kind, and his love of literature was evident to any who talked to him. My day at school was made brighter by his presence.
Russ Calasant
February 17, 2021
My condolences to family. Mr White was an amazing teacher that made a positive impact on my life. I will never forget him and regret not being able to thank him. Godspeed Mr White and thank you.
Jim Hu
February 17, 2021
Mr. White was my favorite teacher back in high school, and someone whom I admired intensely. In class, his passion for his subject was infectious, and his wry sense of humor never failed to make me smile. He always treated me as more than a kid whenever we spoke; even though I must have been hopelessly young and inexperienced at the time, Mr. White always talked to me as though I was a friend, an adult, and an equal. He took everything I said seriously, no matter how young I might have been, and always encouraged my intellectual curiosity. He was gracious with his time and always attentive when he gave it.
Like many people, school was a tough time for me as a teenager, but I could count on Mr. White to be understanding and supportive without fail. When I think back to those days, I remember the way he always acted with grace towards everyone around him. I will always cherish those memories as both a time spent with someone whom I counted as a friend, and as lessons on character from someone whom I looked up to as a role model when I had precious few of them. If I can treat others as well as he treated his students, I will sleep easy at night with myself. Mr. White, you touched my life immensely, and words cannot express how grateful I am for having been your student and your friend.
Christine Benvenuti
February 16, 2021
Mr. White was such a gentle soul and a wonderful teacher.
God bless him and this family.
Kathleen and Frank Welch
February 16, 2021
Mr White was someone you would not forget meeting, if you were fortunate enough to meet him. How often do we meet a gentleman with his rare qualities. Not often. He was kind, humorous, learned, and a devout Catholic. Heaven is richer and we are poorer.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May he rest in peace, amen.
Hayleigh Mildon
February 16, 2021
I am saddened to hear of Mr. White's passing. Some of my most favorite memories of my time at The Williams School include him. He had the biggest heart and the very best sense of humor. While I have not spoken to him in several years, I did think of him often. The impact a teacher can have is so powerful, and he had that kind of talent. I send your family my deepest condolences.
Hayleigh Mildon
February 16, 2021
I am saddened to hear of Mr. White's passing. Some of my most favorite memories of my time at The Williams School include him. He had the biggest heart and the very best sense of humor. I send your family my deepest condolences.
Laura Smith and family
February 16, 2021
I so enjoyed my many coffee dates with “Sir Richard”... always wonderful to chat with him about teaching, literature, life and old movies! A dear soul, a good friend. Our deepest condolences to the White family.
Victoria
February 16, 2021
Mr White was the best teacher I ever had. He was kind, understanding, supportive and a hug positive role model in my life. He was there for me when I was struggling and I could never thank him enough. I will forever miss him and his never ending pockets full of cough drops.
Lisa Rue
February 16, 2021
With fond memories of Mr. White, wishing his family and loved ones special memories to cherish and time for healing from the loss.
Rosemary Littlefield
February 16, 2021
So very sorry for you loss. One of my favorite teachers at ELHS. His kindness and love of teaching will be remembered always.
Persephone
February 16, 2021
Mr. White was a wonderful instructor, and more importantly, a truly wonderful human being. Some of my fondest memories of my 4 years at ELHS, have to do with my theater experiences with Mr. White as advisor. RIP Mr. White...you touched many lives.
Jeff brodie
February 16, 2021
When having to select a relationship it was hard to chose between student and friend. For everyone who was graced with the honor of being a student of his you understand that you weren't just a kid in his class but a person, a friend, a confident. Mr. White re-ignited my interest in literature; his incite and ability to engage the whole classroom in critical thinking while maintaining an open,completely non judgemental forum still follows me to this day. May his eternal soul rest in peace. Your student and friend , Jeff.
Patrick Kelly
February 16, 2021
My sympathies to the family of Dick White. We taught together at The Williams school for several years. He was one of the funniest and most interesting characters I have ever had the pleasure to know. You will be missed my friend.
Pat Kelly
Tammy T class of 80
February 16, 2021
Mr White was my favorite teacher at ELHS. He taught great critical thinking skills and seeing many view points through one lens, he played devils advocate well and brought literature to life. I loved stories more because of him; his teaching will live on in many of us. Mildred still lives in my memories. My condolences.
Jim Gillis
February 16, 2021
God bless you
Mark Christensen
February 16, 2021
I was just thinking of him the other day, even though I haven't seen him in several years. What a great teacher he was, and his teaching helped me get into college. I always enjoyed speaking with him and listening his perspectives on life. He was a dedicated soul, and I extend my sympathies to the family.
Mark Christensen
E. Lyme, CT
February 16, 2021
What an amazing teacher, he gave me the love of reading ,the passion to want to explore the words behind every page My heart full condolences to you Alison may the memories you share help you heal. Vicki Monteith Oliver
Diane Dickensin mortali
February 16, 2021
please scratch an X in the ground nearby because he is truly buried treasure God bless you all - d. Mortali
Joanne Cymbala
February 16, 2021
Wonderful instructor- the impetus for my decision to pursue an English degree.
John Knudsen
February 16, 2021
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. White. Dick and I worked together at the Williams School for many years. Talented writer, story teller, educator, and humorist, he was a wonderful friend and a dedicated colleague — a man of multiple talents. But for all that, he also loved kids, and he loved to teach. That's what I'll always remember him for, first and foremost. Even after he retired, his heart never left the classroom. Rest in peace, my friend.
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