Joseph P. White, 92, Canton Resident Passes Away

Longtime insurance professional and school bus driver remembered for his kindness and devotion to family.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:07pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting the silhouette of an elderly man walking down a residential street, representing the life and legacy of Joseph P. White.The quiet passing of a beloved community member leaves a lasting impression of kindness and compassion.Scranton Today

Joseph P. White, a 92-year-old resident of Canton, New York, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026. White had a long career in the insurance industry, retiring from USF&G in Scranton, Pennsylvania, before becoming a beloved school bus driver in his later years. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family, including his wife Roberta, who passed away in 2016, and his daughter Valerie.

Why it matters

White's life story reflects the changing nature of work and community in small-town America over the past century. From his early days in the insurance business to his later role as a school bus driver, White's dedication to service and family values resonates with many readers in the North Country region.

The details

Born in 1933 in Ossining, New York, White grew up in Chappaqua before embarking on a career in the insurance industry. He spent many years working at his father's agency in midtown Manhattan before retiring from USF&G in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In his later years, White earned his CDL and became a beloved school bus driver, a role he continued until his early 70s when he took up walking instead of running as his primary form of exercise.

  • White was born on May 5, 1933.
  • He married the love of his life, Roberta Edwards, on October 12, 1968.
  • They adopted their daughter, Valerie Mary, in 1971.
  • Roberta passed away in 2016.
  • White passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Joseph P. White

A 92-year-old resident of Canton, New York, who had a long career in the insurance industry before becoming a beloved school bus driver in his later years.

Roberta Edwards

White's wife, who passed away in 2016 after a journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Valerie White

White's daughter, whom he and Roberta adopted in 1971.

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The takeaway

Joseph P. White's life exemplified the values of service, family, and community that have long defined small-town America. His dedication to his work, his loved ones, and his neighbors left a lasting impact on all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness in the Canton area.