1955 - 2026
Born in Framingham, Bob was the son of the late Norman and Miriam (Orme) White and one of seven children. From an early age, he demonstrated the caring and protective nature that would define his life. He was predeceased by his sister, Patty, in 1958; his brother, Alan, in 2011; and his brother, Michael, in 2025.
At the center of Bob’s life was his wife, Lynn (Aylward) White. The two met as teenagers while working at Burger King and went on to build a life together, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2025. Bob’s devotion to Lynn was unwavering. During years in which she underwent multiple complex surgeries and endured significant pain, Bob remained by her side, taking care of the household and doing whatever he could to make her life more comfortable.
Bob brought that same devotion to being a father and grandfather. He is survived by his son, Robert White, his wife, Ann Marie (Maimone), and their daughter, Sophia; his daughter, Holly (White) Morand, her husband, Matthew, and their children, Dylan and Max; and his daughter, Alison (White) Parker, her husband, Jason, and their beloved dog, Sheena. He also leaves many extended family members, including the Aylward family of Hopkinton.
For Bob, caring for family often meant simply showing up. Whether someone needed help at home, had car trouble or encountered a problem miles away, Bob could be counted on to lend a hand. He also expressed his love through smaller gestures, including leaving homemade chocolate chip cookies and his grandchildren’s favorite foods outside his children’s homes.
That willingness to help extended into Bob’s professional life. Gifted with a natural understanding of mechanics and engineering, he founded American Commercial Appliance in the 1980s. Bob successfully operated the appliance repair company until his illness prevented him from continuing to work. Customers valued his extensive knowledge, tireless work ethic and commitment to treating people honestly and fairly.
Bob found tremendous happiness outdoors and had a particular love for fishing, animals and flowers. He treasured fishing trips with his children, his brothers-in-law Sean and Tim Aylward, and especially his grandchildren. His home in New Hampshire provided a favorite retreat, where he could take his boat onto the quiet lake and spend time fishing.
At home in Holliston, Bob created an outdoor sanctuary of his own. He built a koi pond that became home to dozens of fish and transformed his backyard with hundreds of flowers chosen so that something would be blooming from spring through fall. He welcomed woodland creatures into the yard and found peace sitting outside watching his koi swim after a long day. Bob also adored his three cats and cared deeply for animals throughout his life.
Bob spent his 70 years caring for living things, standing up for others and making certain the people he loved knew they could depend on him. His family will deeply miss his laughter, generosity, determination and the reassuring knowledge that whenever they needed him, Bob would be there.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 11th, from 4:00 to 7:15 PM at Chesmore Funeral Home, located at 854 Washington Street in Holliston.
Words of remembrance will begin at 6:30 PM.
A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mass General Cancer Center and directed toward small-cell lung cancer research. Bob’s family expressed particular gratitude to his oncologist, Dr. Jessica Lin, whose work in securing a second-line treatment provided the family with additional precious time together.
