ROBERT WINSLOW 'WIN' WHITE

Win died Sunday, July 16, 2023. He was born March 28, 1934  in Somerville, Massachusetts to Terrance Leo and Margaret Canniff White. Besides his parents, Win is preceded in death by his only sibling William (“Bill”) White of Newton, Massachusetts. 

Win is survived by his wife of 42 years, Deborah (“Deb”) Fritsche of Park City, Utah; his brother’s wife Jeanne Caputo White of Newton, Massachusetts and the four children of Jeanne’s and Bill’s marriage along with the families of those children.

From a previous marriage, Win is survived by two children he caringly raised and educated to adulthood, both of whom were estranged at the time of Win’s death: stepdaughter Kathleen and son Rob with his wife Sharen. Rob had two children from a previous marriage, and they survived Win: Patrick White and his partner Mauricio Chernocov of New York and Kayleigh and her husband Chris Hughes along with their two children Ciaran and Gwendolyn of New York.  Win enjoyed attending the college graduation of both grandchildren.    

Win and Deb had no children of their marriage.  They enjoyed loving friends and their families, and caring business associates.

A former employee and long-time friend described Win as “a scholar, thinker, and good listener. A true gentleman. He was always interested in current events and foreign affairs. Passionate about cuisine, travel and reading.  Win was an open-minded, fair, and nonjudgmental decision maker.”  

Family and friends mostly remember Win’s wonderful meals, like spaghetti carbonara, and baking specialties, like blueberry buckle and hermit cookies, or cooking and baking with him. Along with his wife Deb, Win was a generous host in their Park City home over the past 35 years. 

Win loved “lobstah” dinners with his parents and Aunt Theresa, walks on Wells Beach in Maine with his father and over the years with Bill’s family and wonderful ones with Deb.  Win and Deb married in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Win was a 1955 graduate of MIT in chemistry. He obtained a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana. While there, Win founded the chemical fraternity’s lobster dinner.  An Army ROTC participant, Win served 6 months active duty with the Army Chemical Corps. 

His 50-year working career in the chemical industry ran the range of bench chemist with a couple of patents to executive management of specialty chemical businesses in coatings, oilfield chemicals, and environmental services. When moving from bench chemist to management, Win added graduation from the executive program at University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. 

By far his greatest employment pleasure and career success was running NL Treating Chemicals in Houston, Texas. NL Industries sold the division to Exxon Chemicals. After that transition, Win’s employment was a series of environmental and oilfield service companies and consulting.  The cleanup from the anthrax attacks was one of his consulting jobs. Win retired at age 75, when his health started to fail.  

It has been a long, rough road of illnesses.  Deb wants to thank Dr. Celeste K. Peterson for her attentive, professional care of Win in his final months.  As much as we will miss him and Deb her “pooh bear,” Win is now at peace in a renewed life.  Thank you, Deacon Jeff Allen, for your visits with and prayers for Win.

To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die. Come and share your love and memories of Win on Saturday, September 9, 2023. There will be a noon Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Parish Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117. Lunch afterwards at the Benvegnu Center north of the church. And that evening, 6-8pm, an Irish wake as a joyful remembrance of Win and his heritage at Sparks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.

Donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul’s Catholic Parish Church. Flowers may be sent to Starks Funeral Parlor for the September 9^th services. To the out of towners attending, please do not make donations or send flowers.  Deb appreciates your effort and expense to attend and looks forward to seeing you.