Obituary: Joseph Thomas White, 78, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Joseph Thomas White, 78, of Branford, passed away peacefully while holding hands with his wife Jo-Ann and their son Dan on March 30, 2024. Joe was born in New Haven on March 29, 1946, the son of the late Oliver and Irene Welch White. Joe is survived by his loving wife Jo-Ann, his son Dan, and his grandchildren Noelle, Jack and Gracie. Joe also leaves behind his sister Marianne Turner (the late Douglas), his twin brother William (Mary Nan) White, and his sister Patricia (Robert) Deschamps, and his in-laws Lee McGhee, Dennis (Karen) McGhee, Lois (Bruce) Ash, and Craig (Dawn) McGhee and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law Bertha (Mimi) McGhee, his sister-in-law Elaine Sokolosky and her husband Peter Sokolosky, and his nephew Alan Ash, Jr.

Joe graduated from Branford High School in 1965 where he began dating Jo-Ann McGhee during his freshman year. This was the beginning of a love story to top every other love story ever written. Joe and Jo-Ann got married in September of 1966 and never looked back. She was most certainly the light of his life.

Joe is a veteran of the United States Navy. Shortly after being discharged from the Navy, he started working for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad where he was employed for 38 years, now known as Metro-North RR.

In June of 1975 Joe and Jo-Ann’s only son Daniel was born, it’s not so ironic this was also when Joe’s first gray hair appeared.

One of Joe’s greatest joys was to travel, especially to any one of the Caribbean Islands, as well as spending time at their condo on Daytona Beach. He also loved visiting Dan and his family in Maine, particularly spending time with Noelle, Jack and Gracie. As a huge Red Sox fan, he also loved going to Fenway Park to enjoy a Sox game. He even traveled to different cities across the country to support the team during away games. His favorite city for away games was Seattle, where he loved the saying “Welcome to Seattle where people don’t tan, they rust” As a baseball fan Joe loved coaching little league when Dan was growing up. Joe also loved bowling at Cherry Hill lanes where he bowled in a mixed league with family on Sunday’s and a men’s league on Thursday’s.

A cherished member of the Branford Elks Lodge 1939, Joe dedicated countless hours to fundraising and community service, in 2001, he reached a milestone in his journey by becoming Exalted Ruler. His leadership and commitment made a lasting impact on the lodge and community it served. Joe’s corner bar stool, where he enjoyed many a beer with friends, became a symbol of his warm and welcoming spirit. He considered everyone who walked through the door a friend.

Joe’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff in the surgical intensive care unit, floor 6 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, and also to Dr. Michael Imevvbore, Joe’s Pulmonologist who gave him many more years than Joe and his family ever expected.

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather as we remember Joe and celebrate his life. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday April 3rd from 4:00 – 7:00 Pm at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Additionally, a special celebration of Joe’s life will take place on Saturday, April 6th at the Branford Elks Lodge, 158 South Montowese Street from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, with U. S. Navy honors at 2:30. It will be a time to come together, share stories, and honor the wonderful memories we have of Joe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe’s name to the charity of your choice.

Joe’s impact on our community will forever be cherished. Let us remember him with love, laughter, and the same warm spirit he filled his home with and brought to every corner of the Elks Club and beyond.