Thomas W. White Jr. 1937-2021

Thomas was born Nov. 4, 1937, in Youngstown, a son of the late Thomas and Mary Bell White.

Raised in Youngstown, Tom was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He worked the majority of his career for the Youngstown Street Department, retiring as a foreman after 32 years of service. After retirement, he worked in maintenance for the Greenbriar Nursing Home in Boardman and later opened three restaurants along with his children. Together they operated Buon Appetito in Boardman, and Stephanie’s Pasta Bowl and Pizza Joe’s, both in New Middletown.

Some of Tom’s favorite things included vegetable and flower gardening, tailgating at Browns games and family picnics. Tom loved decorating his home for holidays and especially enjoyed shopping trips to T.J. Maxx to look for holiday decorations. A loving and dedicated family man, there was nothing Tom loved more than spending time with Lois, his children, and grandchildren. Tom will be lovingly remembered for his easygoing personality, generosity, kindness and gentle nature.

His wife, the former Stephana F. Wilaj, whom he married Aug. 13, 1960, preceded him in death Aug. 19, 1995.

He is survived by three children, Kimberly (Paul) Colaluca of Youngstown, Thomas W. (Kimberly) White III of New Middletown and Michele (Vito) Marzano of Boardman; sister, Margaret Bodine of Poland; nine grandchildren, Anthony (Colleen) Colaluca, Chris (Andrea) Colaluca, Cassandra Valentini, Samantha Valentini, Vito Marzano, Ashley (Cody) Bolitho, Garrett (fiance Amanda Belasco) White, Rachel (Jimmy) Zubick and Stephanie (Nick Cavalier) White; a great-granddaughter due in May and great-grandson due in September; three sisters-in-law, Maryann (Lew) Jackson, Margie Bayus and Martha Wilaj; a host of nieces and nephews; special friends, John Beniston and Peggy Nemecsek; and his garden buddies, Joyce Ramsey and Ed Lyden. He also leaves his longtime companion, Lois Antronica of Poland; Lois’ children, Lulu (Marty) Annees, Donna (Dave) Benson, Carmel (Steve) Massarelli and Sam Antronica; and Lois’ eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by sisters, Helen Straub, Jean Crouch and Nancy Schuler; and brother, James White.

Family and friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2021, and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment in Lake Park Cemetery. Guests are asked to wear masks, honor the 6-foot rule and to not linger after seeing the family.

A special thank you to his caregiver, Melissa Ackerman, for her dedication and wonderful care given to Tom.

Memorial tributes may take the form in Mr. White’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and online condolences with the family.

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