“Those who spoke talked about his kindness and warmth as a person,” said longtime colleague Brendan A. Maher, the Henderson Research Professor Emeritus of the Psychology of Personality.
“When people came in to talk to him, whether it be students, faculty or staff, he didn’t just go through the motions of paying attention to them. Academia is not filled with good listeners, and he was one,” said Maher.
Rodkin also noted White’s devotion to his students, recalling when White ate dinner with Rodkin and Rodkin’s grandmother.
“I was able to connect a personal part of who I am with my professional future, which is what [White] embodied as my advisor, and it is something I’ll always treasure,” said Rodkin.
White is survived by his wife Barbara, his two sons Andrew and Gregory, their respective wives Elizabeth and Amie, and his three grandchildren Olivia, Alexander, and Jonathan.
“White has an extremely warm family. He was very closely involved with them and really enjoyed them. It will be a long time before someone like him comes around again,” said Maher.