June 7, 1968 ~ May 27, 2025
Husband. Father. Grandfather. Brother. Uncle. Son. Friend. Veteran. American. History buff. Sports fanatic. These are just a few of the words that describe Mark A. White, a rock of our family, who passed following a heroic fight with pancreatic cancer on May 27, 2025
Mark was born on June 7, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, to Regina and Steven White, just 2 minutes after his twin brother, Norman. Mark was a child who was filled with joy and laughter, who didn’t shy away from trouble-making, and was always ready to stand up for the people he loved. He loved celebrating holidays at Nanna Rose’s house, frequently sneaking wine with his brother and cousins in the basement. When Mattie Rozzell wasn’t loving him, he was at his home away from home with his Aunt Barbara and Uncle Steve.
After a brief stint at the University of Florida, Mark joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served as an Electronics Technician for 12 years. His service took him all over the world, but he had a particular soft spot for South Korea, where he served 6 years and met and married the love of his life, Angela. While in the Navy, he also had his two daughters, Amanda Smythers and Haley Beavers, who were the lights of his life. In addition to Amanda and Haley, Mark loved his bonus daughter Kira Roman as his own.
Mark loved his family fiercely. He was enamored with his grandchildren, Abby Smythers (9), Sofia Roman (9), and JJ Roman (7). He loved his niece, Arianna White, and fellow Gator nephew Jaret White as though they were his children. He was immensely proud of his cousins, Aydin Martin and Hannah Martin, whom he encouraged and loved from the time they were born to his last days.
Mark was a man of deep passions and unwavering loyalty, and the things he loved became essential parts of who he was. A devoted sports fan, he cheered fiercely for the New York Jets, New York Islanders, and the University of Florida, following each season with unwavering hope and enthusiasm, no matter the odds. His love of American history, especially military history, was profound; he immersed himself in countless biographies, books, and documentaries, and could spend hours in a museum exhibit. Mark also had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs, and despite claiming not to be a cat person, he was quickly won over by each of his daughters’ cats, forming quiet bonds that said more than words ever could.
Above all, Mark was proud of his Jewish heritage, which was not only a source of strength and identity throughout his life but also a legacy he carried with deep honor and meaning.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Steven White; his cherished nanny, Mattie Rozzell; his mother-in-law, Connie Van Cleave; and his adored dogs, Soju and Shaina. He leaves behind a legacy of friends and loved ones, including but not limited to: his wife, Angela White; mother, Regina White-Chereskin; twin brother and sister-in-law Norman and Ginger White; daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, Amanda, Derek, and Abby Smythers; daughter and son-in-law Haley Beavers and Gunnar Lund; daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren Kira, Omar, Sofia, and JJ Roman; nephew Jaret White and partner Emily Dulberg; niece Arianna White and partner Daniel Stein; aunt and uncle Barbara and Stevie Mandel; cousins Robin and Greggory Martin, Hannah Martin, and Aydin and K’tera Martin; cousins Robin Reinarz and Debbie Douglass; close friends John Pellitteri and Brian Glasser; and many more cousins, in-laws, and close friends.
In place of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, PJ Library, or Disabled American Veterans. To remember Mark, you can join us, petting as many dogs as possible, cheering on the Florida Gators, and never giving up on the NY Jets.
