James Bernard White Sr., aged 93, a lifelong resident of Shelton, entered peacefully into rest on July 21, 2020 with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Fay (Daubig) White. James was born in Ansonia on April 21, 1927, the son of the late William and Mary (Parker) White. He was also predeceased by his brother Patrick “Uncle Pat” White and his cousin Chrissie Parker.
James was a member of Boy Scout Troop 3 in Derby, as well as a lifelong member of the Shelton American Legion Post 16 and Derby Elks lodge 571. He served his country in World War II as both a member of the Coast Guard and the United States Marine Corps. He fondly remembered having to join the Coast Guard first at 17 as he couldn’t wait until he was 18 to be deployed with the Marines.
James was a licensed Electrician by trade, and worked for BF Goodrich in Derby Connecticut. He spent the majority of his working life as the owner of the Dew Drop Inn, in Derby. He and his brother and best friend Pat, started this landmark watering hole in the 1960’s, where for over 35 years they fed the local factory workers and provided a comfortable spot to stop for a burger and beer if you were riding along route 34. Upon retiring from the business, James set to work part time in the bakery at Stop and Shop in Ansonia for over a decade.
James loved spending time with family and friends. He often gathered with his favorite cousins: Sisters Ann and Theresa Curley, Chrissie Parker and Diane Baranowsky and Kevin and Kate White. He loved chatting about old times, and could sit for hours telling war stories and talking about events in history to his family and his good friend Timmy Taylor.
James enjoyed parties and picnics, a good meal and a long drive. He enjoyed watching John Wayne movies with his grandson Anthony, who really enjoyed watching them with his Pop Pop. He loved hanging out with his brother Pat at their bar, talking to the locals. He especially enjoyed time spent with his loving wife Fay, to whom he was married for 66 years. They were truly soulmates and partners and shared a “date night” every Saturday, for the better part of six decades.
James is survived by his daughter Kathy Sullivan (Larry) and grandson Anthony Sullivan, sons James White Jr. and Steven White, daughter Holly White and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church located at 10 Father Salemi Drive Ansonia, CT on Saturday August 8th at 1 p.m.
The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton has been entrusted with his arrangements. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.
