Paul T. White

Paul Thomas White, (78), April 6, 2024 – Beloved Uncle and Brother, Devoted Son, Loving Friend

Paul T. White of Dennis, MA, passed away on April 6, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, kindness, and laughter that touched the lives of all who knew him. He was the beloved uncle of Michelle Plasse of Venice Beach, CA; Sean Plasse of Burlington, VT; Matthew Plasse of Shelburne, VT; Benjamin Plasse of Hermitage, TN, and also a cherished cousin of Jo-Anne Percheski of Medway MA. Paul was truly family to long-time best friend Betsey Solfisburg and her extended crew of seven amazing children and many grandchildren, who showed unwavering commitment to Paul, caring for him throughout his life. Two people who were extremely important to Paul were Jacob Bishop Heye Solfisburg. (Betsey’s first grandson, “Jake”), and Ali Baghai, of Phoenix, AZ. Paul knew them both from a very young age, and considered them nephews.

Paul was the son of the late Ruth P. (O’Malley) and Thomas J. White, and brother to the late Karen M. Plasse and Brian J. White. He was the grandson of four Irish immigrants from County Mayo and County Galway, who instilled in him a strong work ethic, unwavering loyalty, and a razor-sharp wit. Raised in Lexington, MA, Paul pursued his education at Holy Cross University and Columbia Graduate School. With a natural aptitude for numbers, he embarked on a successful career as a leading financial officer for Sheraton, Hawthorne Suites, and Strategic Hotel Capital hotel groups, traversing the globe on countless adventures. Living in Chicago, England, Prague, and California, and finally settling on Cape Cod, Paul deeply valued the friendships he cultivated in each local community.

Paul's first love was golden retrievers, and he dedicated himself to their care, notably his cherished companion, Pasha, a rescue from Turkey. Paul's second passion was car racing, forging friendships with luminaries like Mario Andretti. Paul raced all over New England in the 1970’s, through the Amateur Racing Club, Sports Car Club of America. He threw his Formula Fords – the most competitive class in the Club – into overdrive, and was well-regarded by his fellow drivers in his paddock. Through Mario, Paul met Paul Newman, who became his fast friend on the racing circuit. Newman went by the nickname “P.L.” and Paul in turn became “O.P.” (Other Paul). This friendship led Paul to become deeply involved with Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children with cancer and other blood disorders. There he dedicated his time as a volunteer camp counselor. At the camp, Paul's playful spirit shone brightly as he initiated epic food fights, played practical jokes, and became one of the campers' biggest cheerleaders. His boundless energy and infectious laughter brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to experience his presence. In as much as the camp did a world of good for the kids it served, it also transformed Paul into the man he was truly meant to be.

Renowned for his generosity and reliability, Paul went above and beyond to assist anyone in need, earning the trust and gratitude of countless individuals, especially his sister Karen and his mother Pat. Fondly remembered for his love of chocolate ice cream from Smuggler’s, a local icon in Dennis, MA, Paul will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Cape Church in Brewster, MA, on Cape Cod, on Thursday, April 25, at 11:00 am. Interment at Dennis Village Cemetery. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Paul's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, in honor of the campers Paul bonded with for many years, or the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue Hudson, MA, in memory of Paul and his beloved canine companion.