PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  Mr. Philip P. White, age 76, a resident of Kingston, NY since 2014 and formerly of Pittsfield, MA died unexpectedly in an automobile accident on Thursday, December 30, 2021.  

Born in Pittsfield on June 22, 1945, Philip was the son of the late Roderick Ploss White and Mary (Jackson) Burbank. He was a graduate of Pittsfield High School and then went on to Berkshire Community College. He joined the US Air Force in 1964. He was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank Sargent while stationed in Hawaii.  He eventually earned his Masters Degree from UMass and began his career in Human Services. 

He started at Berkshire Life in 1974 and worked there until beginning at BCARC in 1982. Phil worked for BCARC for 4 years before eventually beginning his career with the Department of Mental Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Phil retired in 2009 after 21 years of service with the Commonwealth. 

A man that devoted his entire life to helping others, he volunteered for countless organizations over the years. Most notably, he was proud to have served as the President of Toastmasters International. He tutored for many years for ELA and Special ED Students and freely shared his extensive knowledge of so many things.  

He was a true Humanitarian. This became even more evident to those around him once COVID became such an dark spot in our Nation's history. When most people began shutting down, Phil found new ways to help others. He started volunteering as a Crisis Response Counselor for a Suicide Prevention Hotline. He knew that people would need extra companionship, help and even just a friend to talk to. 

Phil was always on the go. Whether he was playing pickle ball, roller blading or going out to play cards and boardgames with friends, he never stopped moving. He was an avid New England sports fan and emulated Boston Strong in all ways. 

Above all, he was an animal lover. He rescued countless animals over the years, most recently giving a home to his beloved bird named Molly. He also started volunteering at the Kingston ASPCA Shelter shortly after moving to the area where he would love walking the dogs and help in their new home placement. 

Philip is survived by his daughters, who he was such a true balance of, Regina White and Jennifer Burke, his son-in-law Dennis Burke, and his grandchildren, Christopher Ellsworth, Josh Burke, Dylan Blake, Madison Burke and Laynie Burke. He also leaves his former wife of 27 years, Martha Castillo and her partner Larry Wheelock, his sister Trisha Choquette, his brother Michael White, and a great number of friends and colleagues who will always remember Phil for his friendship and quick wit. 

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother Roderick White. 

SERVICES: In order to keep everyone safe, a private graveside service will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Pittsfield. The family invites anyone who would like to say their goodbyes to Phil to visit his burial plot at the cemetery in section St. Anne de Beaupre in their own time. The family will hold a true celebration of Philip's life when it is safer to gather.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to "Hospice Care in the Berkshires" and mailed to the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home.