Douglas Richard White

Douglas R. White, 76, longtime resident of West Falmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 22, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Loving and devoted husband of 45 years to the late Ann M. Bernard White, who passed away last year.  Loving father of Drew B. White of West Falmouth. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Edward Joseph White and Edith B. (Moniz) White, and his brother Kenneth E. White. Dear brother also to Cheryl A. Culpan and her husband Raymond of Port Charlotte, FL and Sharon L. Porcaro and her husband Aniello of Mashpee, MA and Naples, FL.  Brother-in-law to Beverly White of Falmouth. Cherished uncle of William White, John White, Megan Mooney and Noelle Lakis. Treasured great uncle to six others.  Also survived by many extended family, friends and past colleagues within the Falmouth Public School System.  Loved by many, missed by all.

Born in Wareham, MA, Doug graduated Lawrence High School Class of 1964. He then proudly enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 and served during Vietnam stateside.  After being honorably discharged, he furthered his education and received his undergraduate degree from Cape Cod Community College and University of Massachusetts Amherst, later earning his Masters from Boston State College and eventually proudly receiving his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Boston College. Doug was a tireless and true life-long learner, always seeking to improve himself and by doing so inspired all those who knew him.  His distinguished and decades-long career as an educator included teaching mathematics in the Falmouth Public School System and later becoming House Administrator at Falmouth High School and eventually Principal of the Lawrence School. True to his commitment to teaching and learning, after his retirement Doug also taught classes at Cape Cod Community College.  He had an immeasurably positive impact on countless numbers of his students and colleagues over the course of his career, and they were inspired by and grateful for his counsel, dedication and example.

Indeed, love of his family, friends, education and his country was at his core. His drop-in visits to the residences of family and friends were always welcome surprises. He never came empty-handed, whether it was with green beans, cucumbers or tomatoes from his garden, a good steak from the market, or bottles of wine. He delighted spending time conversing with others, always rooted for the underdog, and of course, he relished dishing out a good razzing or needling when given the opportunity!

A Committal Service will be held for Doug and his late wife Ann on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers contributions in Doug’s memory may be made to the Falmouth Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1061, Falmouth MA 02541, or online at www.falmoutheducationfnd.org. Visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com for guestbook.

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