Alfred Joseph White

Alfred J. White, a distinguished career diplomat, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at the age of 95 at his home in Washington, DC. Born in Philadelphia on August 16, 1929 to parents Helen R. Burke and Eugene P. White, Al was raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Utica, New York.

A graduate of Georgetown University, Al served in the U.S. Army before joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1957. He served in posts around the world, including Germany (Bremen), Sudan (Khartoum), Italy (Turin and Rome), Austria (Vienna), Turkey (Ankara), and Venezuela (Caracas). While stationed in Italy, Al met Gabriella Vedrini, his beloved wife of 58 years.

Those who knew Al remember him as the utmost gentleman—kind, composed, diplomatic in the truest sense, and always gracious. He had a lifelong love of reading, especially history, and an encyclopedic memory that made him a fascinating storyteller and cherished conversationalist. His knowledge spanned an extraordinary range of topics. His family affectionately recalls the familiar sight of a thick, hardcover book tucked under his arm, or of his passion for ancient maps. He also loved to write and leaves behind a collection of wonderful stories from his travels, as well as a detailed history of his grandfather's Civil War service.

Al is survived by his wife, Gabriella; his daughters, Helen (with partner Marco) and Susi (with husband Greg); his sister, Margaret; and five grandchildren: Alex, Cristina, Jed, Francesca, and Jacqueline. He was predeceased by his sisters, Helen and Florence, and his brother Eugene. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, humility, and gentle strength.

Al's life will be celebrated by family and friends at a Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Washington, DC, on Saturday, September 27 at 10 a.m., followed by a reception onsite.