Donald “Don” White

NAPLES, Fla. – Donald “Don” White, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Feb. 21, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by his family after complications from surgery.

Born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, to Helen and Charles White, Don grew up in Centerburg Ohio, where working on the family farm and delivering newspapers instilled the determination and work ethic that defined his life. A gifted athlete growing up, he excelled in football, basketball, and track, later attending Kent State University, where he played football and earned a degree in economics.

After graduation, Don began a career in retail management before moving into banking, where he became known for his expertise in sales training and business development. An entrepreneur at heart, he later founded Northeast Commercial Carpet, building it into one of New England’s leading commercial flooring companies, while also operating a successful sales consulting business throughout the United States and Canada.

Don met the love of his life, Cherie Ellis, at Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. They married just 11 months later at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and shared 58 wonderful years together.

With an adventurous spirit, Don lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed boating, skiing, golfing, cycling, RV travel, and spending time along the coast of Maine and in Naples, Fla. On his 80th birthday, he celebrated by riding 80 miles on his bike and skydiving for the first time. Despite numerous health challenges, he faced every obstacle with resilience, optimism, and determination.

Above all, Don was devoted to his family. He and Cherie raised two children, Kent White and Courtney Campbell, and were blessed with six grandchildren, Lindsey and Camden White, and Morgan, Hope, Colin, and Heather Campbell. Don never missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren, and his love and pride in them were evident to all who knew him.

Don was predeceased by his sister, Stephanie Hale.

He is survived by his wife, Cherie; his daughter, Courtney Campbell and her husband, Matthew of Cape Elizabeth, his son, Kent White and his wife Heidi of York; sister-in-law, Susan Ellis; nephew, Barry Hale and family; and his six cherished grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth, followed by interment in the Peace Garden and a Celebration of Life at Purpoodock Club.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial donations

can be made to:

the American Diabetes Association or to:

the American Cancer Society