Phillip Neal White

Phillip Neal White, 84, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Phil was born on December 1, 1940, in East Chicago, Indiana to the late William D. and Thelma B. (Chapman) White.

Phil retired as an Instrument Technician with NIPSCO after 25 years of service. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Phil earned an Associate degree in Labor Studies from Indiana University, South Bend and attended Purdue University. He was active in the United Steelworkers Union, serving as Grievance Committeeman, Union Arbitrator, and Union Newsletter Editor.

After he retired from NIPSCO, Phil worked as a genealogical librarian in Frankfort, Indiana. He was an avid genealogist who wrote the history of the White Family of Indian Camp Creek, Kentucky. He also became a Master Gardener through the Fulton County Extension Agency and maintained a large vegetable garden. He facilitated the reintroduction of native plant and tree species to parks in Fulton County.

Phil was the Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 39 for 10 years and active in Scouts for over 70 years. As Scoutmaster, Phil positively influenced many boys by teaching them life skills and building character. He accompanied the boys on challenging hikes in LaPorte County, teaching them orienteering. He took his troop on campouts once a month year round. He gave his vacation time to spend with his troop at Boy Scout summer camps, including a trip to the Minnesota Boundary Waters. At the time that he died he was writing a history of the Potawatomi Council of the BSA, which was merged with other councils to form the current day LaSalle Council.

On January 30, 1971, Phil married Isabelle Quale who survives with their children Marie (Mark Robinson) White of Chicago, Illinois; Shelley (Marc) Giordano of Seattle, Washington; and John R. White of South Bend, Indiana. Grandchildren are Lillian & Matthew Robinwhite, and Antony & Lucia Giordano. He is also survived by siblings Jewel White of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; twin sister, Patricia Jackson of Marion, Indiana; Rita White of Michigan City, Indiana; and Ray (Cheryl) White of Westville, Indiana. Phil had a big heart, and his family included people who weren't his offspring but considered him a father or grandfather figure.

Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 11 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church, 1101 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp ToPeNeBee, https://www.lasallecouncilbsa.org/donate. Please write “Funds to be used for Camp ToPeNeBee in Honor of Phillip White.” Alternately, donations may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation for trees to be planted in Phil’s Honor. https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-for-others?producttype=TIM

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Phillip’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phillip Neal White, please visit our floral store.