Phillip W. White

Winthrop - Phillip Wayne White, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

He was born on July 19, 1940, to Eli and Viola White, the eighth of nine children. From an early age, Phil understood the value of a hard day’s work, spending his youth alongside his brothers on the family farm on Maple Ridge Road in Brasher. The work ethic he learned there carried through his life as he built a successful career as a carpenter. After working in Texas and at Fort Drum, he returned proudly to the North Country, where he founded White’s General Carpentry—known for high-quality craftsmanship at a fair price. He could recall every detail of the countless jobs he had completed over the years until a stroke forced him to hang up his hammer at the age of 83.

Affectionately known as “Red Dog” for both his red hair and spirited personality, he will be remembered for his quick wit, storytelling, and sharp mind. Phillip took joy in simple pleasures: his coin and ball cap collections, lucky scratch-off tickets, country-western music, and his favorite TV lineup of westerns, WWE, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. He loved four-wheeler rides, road trips with family, playing cards, completing puzzles, tinkering in his garage, sneaking the occasional cigarette, and giving everyone he met a nickname—wanted or not. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and took pride in every member.

Phil was married to the love of his life, Donna (Trimm) White, for 50 years. They were wed on May 31, 1969, and together raised four children in a home built by love. After Donna’s passing in 2020, Phil missed her always and often watched for signs of her in cardinal visits at his bird feeders.

A beloved husband, father, papa, brother, and uncle, Phil is survived by his children: Matthew (Lori) White, Nancy (Greg) Blais, Peter White, Marci (Levi) White, and Connie Ulrich; eight grandchildren: Nicole (Devon) Euto, Abigail (Jordan) Nihmey, Nathan White, Samantha, Gabrielle, and Thomas Blais, and Mikayla and Gavin Lashomb; and one great-granddaughter: Margaret Euto. He is also survived by his brother, Robert White, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to Donna, Phil was predeceased by his parents; sisters Dorene Davis, Lillian Alvarez, Shirley Burlingame, and Carol Ackerman; and brothers Raymond, Gerald, and Joseph White.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.

Services will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the funeral home, with calling hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A funeral service for Phil will commence at the conclusion of calling hours at noon, with burial immediately following at Winthrop Cemetery. After the services, family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at Meadowbrook Golf Course, 9757 U.S. Highway 11, Winthrop, NY 13697. Phil would have loved knowing everyone came together—sharing memories, laughter, and the kind of company he always enjoyed most.

Memories and condolences can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.