Necrology

Newton Edgar White '32

Jul. 19, 1910-Jul. 6, 2004

Newton Edgar White ’32, a professionally prominent dentist who practiced in his native Syracuse, NY, for a half-century, was born on July 19, 1910. His parents were Edgar R., also a dentist, and Isabel Dimick White. “Newt” White grew up in Syracuse, where he was graduated from Central High School in 1928. He came to College Hill that year and joined Theta Delta Chi. While taking science courses in preparation for following his father into dentistry, he also ran track and became a three-time letterman in the sport.

In 1932, after acquiring his diploma “by the skin of my teeth,” as he recalled years later, Newt White went on to the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. He obtained his D.D.S. degree in 1936, and on June 24th of the following year, he was married to Virginia L. Ferguson in his hometown.

Except for brief service as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II, Dr. White continued to practice dentistry in Syracuse until he retired in 1986. A leader in the successful effort to fluoridate Onondaga County’s water supply, he also became active in professional organizations, from local to national. Besides serving as president of the County Dental Society and the 5th District Dental Society, he was a fellow as well as regional chairman of the American College of Dentistry and a member of the legislative council of the New York State Dental Society.

In addition, Dr. White was much involved in community organizations, including the Optimist Club, the University Club, and the Scottish Rite Club, all of which he served as president. However, the lion’s share of his volunteer work was devoted to his church and the Boy Scouts of America. At various times a deacon, elder, and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church United and president of its board, he was also associated with the Boy Scouts for 60 years and a member of the board of the Hiawatha Seaway Council and its longtime camping chairman. In 1960, he was presented with the organization’s Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his outstanding service.

Newt White also contributed much volunteer service to his alma mater. Besides presiding over the Syracuse Alumni Association, he represented Central New York on the Alumni Council for many years and chaired several of its committees. His other services to the College included acting as class correspondent for this magazine.

An accomplished woodworker and picture framer, Newt White conducted for a time a small woodworking business on the side. He also enjoyed sailing during summers at the family camp on Skaneateles Lake. But he was enthusiastic above all about flying. A member of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association and of the Flying Dentists, he was not only a licensed pilot but proud to have acquired a commercial pilot’s license at the age of 71. Into his 70s, in their small airplane, he and “Jinnie” would fly almost everywhere they wanted to go.

Newton E. White, a lifelong resident of the Syracuse area, and most recently of suburban Manlius, died at his home on July 6, 2004, in his 94th year. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, as well as two sons, David W. and Stephen E. White ’62, and four grandchildren.

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