1961 - 2026
Chris was raised in Walpole, where he attended Walpole High School and Bishop Feehan High School. He spent his childhood summers in Westport, a place that remained special to him throughout his life. He graduated from UMass in 1984 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
After college, Chris joined the family business, PCS, and later Market Reps, working his way from sales representative to president. As the telecommunications industry changed, he helped transform Market Reps into a successful telecommunications company. He later pursued his passion for boating, earning his Captain's License and Marine Engineer License. He captained the Alert II ferry for Cuttyhunk Boatlines and served as lead engineer for the Block Island Ferry. His third career was with the Town of Franklin, where he worked to automate and improve the town's solid waste program.
Chris was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and a longtime member of the Elks, initially with the Franklin Lodge and later with the South Kingstown Lodge in Rhode Island.
A natural-born engineer, Chris had a lifelong interest in mechanics and vehicles, particularly cars. He spent much of his life building, repairing, and restoring vehicles and was known among friends and family for his ability to diagnose and fix just about anything. He took great pleasure in helping others and was often sought out for his mechanical expertise.
Chris met his wife, Kathleen, after repairing a stuck accelerator pedal on her car. They became engaged within six months and married in 1985. They raised their family in Franklin, where they lived for more than 30 years.
Chris and Kathleen spent summers in Narragansett and on the water aboard their boat, The Patsy. In retirement, they traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and Europe, and explored the United States in their motorhome, Big Blue. Chris particularly enjoyed working on projects in his garage and spending time overlooking the Narrow River.
Chris is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathleen; his children, Chris White Jr. and his wife, Lauren, and their son, Chris White III, of Bellingham; Devon of Glenburn, Maine; and Patsy of Charleston, South Carolina; his brother, Paul and his wife, Kristin, of Long Beach, Washington; his sister, Susan of Weymouth; his aunt, Eunice Wheeler of Australia; and many extended family members and friends.
Calling hours will be held Friday, November 13th from 4 to 6 PM at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, located at 131 Main Street in Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136, located at the P.O. Box 447 in Franklin.
