Obituary of The Rev. Dr. Robert A. White

The Rev. Dr. Robert A. White, 80, began his new life in Christ on Friday, October 18, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side, due to complications of pancreatic cancer. His passing exemplifies the way he lived, with dignity and trusting God.

The eldest child of Lester C. White and A. Lorraine (Erion) White, he spent his youth in Homewood, Illinois, with his brothers Donald and Glenn and sister Janet. In 1963 he met and fell in love with Jo Anne Kemink while a sophomore at Hope College, Holland Michigan. Of his marriage to Jo Anne, his wife of 57 years, he often said, “It’s the best thing I ever did!” But she knows it was really because of her family’s ham sauce recipe.

Bob prepared for a life of ministry in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton NJ, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI, and Union Theological Seminary, New York City. He served as dedicated pastor at Clover Hill Reformed Church, Flemington, NJ, Pitcher Hill Reformed Church, North Syracuse, NY, and First Reformed Church, Schenectady, NY. 

Between pastorates, he served the RCA in other ways as well. He led the RCA denomination as Minister for Social Witness, providing resources for peacemaking, global justice and interfaith dialogue. This position gave him opportunities to meet with the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, leading groups of Christians to the former Soviet Union to promote US-Soviet church relations three times in the 1980s. 

He was also selected to be President of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick NJ, where he was a strong administrative leader and was honored to help direct the education of Christians as they prepared for ministry, often as a second career.

After retirement Bob continued his life of ministry for several years, serving as the Interfaith Chaplain at Bethesda House, Schenectady, NY, and the Interim Executive Director of the NYS Council of Churches. He thoroughly enjoyed resting from his life’s work, living peacefully at their cabin in the Adirondacks of New York.

Bob’s favorite times were spent camping and canoeing in the Adirondacks, crafting furniture and birch bark frames in his garage workshop, and philosophizing around the grill with friends, especially Johan and Marie Bosman.

Bob and Jo Anne were blessed with two children. Their son, Erik E. White survives him and is a great comfort to his mom and family during this time. Their daughter, Kristy, is now celebrating with her dad in heaven. Bob’s brother Glenn White survives him. Bob has joined his parents, brother Donald White and sister Janet Berkeley in the resurrection, which formed the basis of his Christian beliefs that he faithfully preached beginning as a 4-year-old in his family living room.

Jo Anne and Erik have great appreciation for the doctors and nurses at NYOH Amsterdam, NY, especially Dr. Maria A. De Jesus and those at St. Mary’s Hospital (4^th floor) for their competence and compassion during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Kristina White Memorial Fund at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, 35 Seminary Pl, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on November 9, 2024 at Christ Community Reformed Church, 1010 NY-146, Clifton Park, NY.