Heartbroken North Fork Woman Needs Help To Lay Her Beloved Father To Rest

NORTH FORK, NY — A brokenhearted North Fork woman is reaching out for help to lay her beloved father to rest.

Catherine White Biechele has created a GoFundMe page, "Edmund H. White's Cremation Costs," to help with expenses.

"My father Edmund H. White passed away on September 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. after being one day — 24 hours — at San Simeon in Greenport," she wrote. "I need some help toward his cremation and the burial service that I’d like to have — but I just can’t afford it. Anything you can manage would be greatly appreciated. Thank you with all my heart."

According to an obituary sent to Patch from his family: "Edmund Heath White, affectionately called "Whitey," 84, of Greenport, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on September 21, 2025, at San Simeon by the Sound Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.

"He was born at Eastern Long Island Hospital on January 4, 1941, to Walter and Mary White," the obituary said.

"He married Audrey Elaine Begley on March 25, 1962, at The Holy Trinity Church in Greenport. They made their home in Orient for many years. They had two children, Catherine Mary and Steven Howard. Eventually they move to Greenport. His wife Audrey predeceased him in April 2020, and son Steven, in September 2022. He was also predeceased by his brother Howard W., who died in 1942, his sister Lois M. Gray, who died in 1986, and his brother Walter H., who died in 1989.

"Edmund was a New York State master plumber and owned his own business for 15 years. He also worked for the union and company Burns & Roe, Van Duzer Gas, as well as Agway. He was president of the Oysterponds Rod and Gun Club for 25 years. He was a volunteer member of the Orient Fire Department for 20 years.

"He leaves behind, brokenhearted, his daughter Catherine Mary Biechele, his son-in-law Harry R. Biechele, nephew Louis C. Gray, and nieces Mary A. and Valerie L. Gray."

A graveside service will be held soon and the date announced shortly.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.