Donald R. White.

Donald Robert White, of Ithaca, passed away at the Hospicare residence on July 12th, 2018.

Born in Batavia, NY, in 1931, Donald served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed in North Africa. Donald attended the University of Houston, and then worked in industrial sales for oil companies until he was fortunate enough to be able to retire early in his 40’s.

He and his wife owned and operated gift and decorator shops in Elmira and Ithaca, NY, as well as student housing for Cornell and Ithaca College. Donald and his wife worked briefly in real estate sales with Connie Lewis Better Homes and Gardens in Ithaca, and were both active in the craft circuit with his wife’s designs in silver and gold jewelry.

Donald’s affection for, and emotional interest in, handicapped children led him to give his time to driving a handicapped children’s bus for the Trumansburg Central School District, which led to a longer period of bus driving for the school.

Donald earned his private pilot’s license in 1963 and was an enthusiastic and accomplished airplane pilot of both power and sail planes.

After retirement he divided his time between Block Island, R.I. and his lake home in Ithaca, NY. He and his wife spent a portion of each year traveling in their motorhome.

Donald is survived by his wife, Nonie H.D. White; his son, Lawrence D. White, of Trumansburg; his stepson, Sean Paul Dillman, of Waterloo, NY; stepdaughter, Tara Dillman Sanderson, of Arizona; and his brother, James L. White, of Shreveport, LA.

Burial will be at a later date on Block Island, R.I. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Tompkins County SPCA or the Salvation Army.