The Celebration of Life Service for Benny at 11AM will be private.  All are welcome to join the family via Zoom at 11AM.  Access link below.

Benny Fess White, 75, husband of Dee White, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on July 4, 2020, at his home in Mattapan, MA. Born August 11, 1944, in Boston, MA, Benny was the fifth child of the late Mary E. White and Benny White.

Benny grew up in the Mission Hill area of Boston and graduated from Boston Technical High School. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps at age 18, where he served four years of active duty with the 3rd Marine Air Wing at El Toro, CA. Upon his return to Massachusetts, Benny attended East Coast Aerotech, where Xerox recruited him, and he retired after a 20+ year career as a technician. Embracing the Marine motto of "Semper Fi," Benny also continued to serve as a Marine Reservist for several years at Weymouth Naval Air Station.

Benny was a very active and well-respected member of the Boston community. He supported and often held leadership positions in numerous civic and service organizations, including the William E. Carter American Legion Post No. 16, the Prince Hall Masons and the "60+ Veterans Group". In accordance with his belief in character development and leadership, he served as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 372. Most notably, he was the founder and late commander of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, Company A. He served as the unit's 1st Sergeant and was later promoted to command as 1st Lieutenant. He proudly led the unit in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parades in January 2009 and 2013. He was instrumental in inspiring the re-activation of the 54th Regiment within the Massachusetts National Guard, and for his outstanding service to the Army, he was presented the "Army Commanders Award for Civilian Service" in 2012.

Benny leaves to mourn his devoted wife and children: Benny White Jr. (Linda) and Anthony White Sr. (Monica) of California; Antonio Greene (Donna), and Lindsey Gaudet (Daniel) of North Carolina. He also leaves a sister, Loretta Brooks of Virginia, and brothers Deric White (Shannon) of Connecticut; Marco White Sr. (Eileen) of Mattapan, and Isidore White of Boston. He also is survived by 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. Benny was preceded in death by his eldest sister Laurene Janette Ellison and elder brother Donald White.

In recognition of his exceptional devotion to Commonwealth and country, Benny F. White has been promoted to the rank of Captain, Company A, 54th Regiment by the authority of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts.

The Black Veterans' Celebration of Life for Captain White will be held later this summer. Please email [email protected] for details