Obituary of Artist White

Artist V. White of Niskayuna died at home on Tuesday, July 14th after a long illness. Mr. White was preceded in death by two sons, Michael and Stephen. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 57 years; a son, David, his wife, Twila; two grandchildren, Erik and Mary Hedges (Tracy); sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was born June 22, 1926 in Amarillo, Texas and came to Schenectady when he was 16. He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School's Technical Electrical Program and worked two years as an Electronics Technician in the General Engineering Laboratory of the General Electric Co. to earn money for college. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1952 and shortly afterwards married Mary E. McCarroll of Albany, his sweetheart of four years. Then he joined the Physical Chemistry Dept. of GE's Research and Development Center as a Research Assistant. In 1955 he was transferred to the Laboratory's Employee Relations function as a Personnel Specialist. In 1959 he graduated from GE's Manufacturing Personnel Development Program, and in 1964 after briefly serving as a Management Training and Development Specialist in the Power Tube Dept. at the Schenectady GE main plant he joined the General Precision Equipment Corporation in Morton Grove, Illinois, as Manager Industrial Relations. In 1967 he joined the Universal Oil Productions Co. in Des Plaines, Illinois, where he worked three years as Manager Employee Relations of the company's Corporate Research Center and sixteen years as Corporate Manager Compensation Domestic and International. He also assisted in the company's college recruiting program by doing campus recruiting for Chemical Engineers as time permitted. He retired in 1986 due to health concerns. He and his wife returned to this area in 1994 to be near family and friends. Mr. White was active in civic and community affairs in NY and in Illinois. During the late 50s and 60s while in NY, he served as President of the Lisha Kill Civic Association, President of the Colonie Civic Federation, Public Relations Director of the New York State Taxpayers Association, Chairman of the Schenectady County Red Cross Blood Drive, Concert Manager for the Octavo Singers, Republican committeeman in Schenectady's 11th ward, Discussion Leader for the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce's Action Courses in Practical Politics, President of Howe Elementary PTA, Chairman of the Committee on Candidates for the Schenectady School Board and served as their first Campaign Chairman for its candidates in 1960, when all three were elected to the Board of Education. In Illinois, Mr. White served as President of the Des Plaines Community Chest and as President of the Northwest Industrial Council, a 175-member company organization dedicated to Human Resource Activities. In 1959 Mr. White received the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for "Outstanding Community Service" while living in Colonie. In 1960 he received a "Commendation for Outstanding Achievement as an Advisor" from Junior Achievement. In Illinois in 1973 he received an "Outstanding Community Service" award from the Des Plaines Community Chest. In 1978 the American Society for Personnel Administration presented the Northwest Industrial Council with a "Superior Merit Award," its highest award, "In Recognition of Contributions Made to Society" during Mr. White's tenure as its president. His accomplishments were many, but those that are most treasured are the times he spent with us. He was a loving and faithful husband and father, who will be remembered for his intelligence, wisdom, and quick wit. It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our "Sweet Man" and "Papa White". Funeral service Saturday morning at 9:30 at the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady, and 10 a.m. at St. Helen's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours Friday evening 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment, Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Helen's Church or St. Helen's School, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna, NY 12309.