Bernard White

Bernard P. White, 87 years old, Clarks Summit, died Saturday in Chandler Estate, Pen Argyl. His wife of 46 years was the late Marie Frances Kelly.

Bernard, or "Bernie" as he was called by friends and family, lived a long, fulfilling life. He was born Oct. 6, 1929, in Pittston and was raised in West Pittston, the second of three children, son of the late James and Alice (Martin) White.

He was a 1947 graduate of West Pittston Area High School and joined the Navy shortly after graduating high school, serving during the Korean Conflict. His service took him to Cuba and the Caribbean Islands, but he always ended up in Boston after the ship dropped anchor. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Marie.

Shortly after leaving the Navy, Bernie was hired as an apprentice at the historic Watertown Arsenal, and quickly moved his way up through the ranks. He was very proud of having worked on parts for the Saturn rockets in the 1960s. Bernie later moved his family back to Pennsylvania, and eventually took up residence in Clarks Summit. He continued his work at the historic Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, retiring in the late 1980s.

A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Bernie attended parochial schools and was a member of Church of St. Gregory, Clarks Green.

Bernie loved to golf and was a frequent visitor at the original (and secondary) location of the Markowitz Brothers Tobacco and News Center. He became friends with the owner, Sidney Markowitz, and his family, and was happy to lend a helping hand when needed.

He is survived by his son, Bernard and wife, Donna, of Stroudsburg; his sister, Alice June Chivers, of Hazleton; a granddaughter, Kelsey White and fiancAC., Rob Seaman, of State College; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by brother, James White.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Church of St. Gregory, 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green, Interment, Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum, Waltham, Mass. Interment with graveside services and military honors will be Wednesday, Calvary Cemetery, Waltham, Mass.

The family will receive friends and relatives Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, c/o Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.