WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Denis Thomas White, 84, of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina passed away on July 5, 2026. Born on June 11, 1942, in Paterson, New Jersey. Denis was the most loving, positive, kind, patient and wise man.
He was married to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Maureen for 62 years. He was an adoring husband, loving and devoted Dad, Ampa, GPA, brother, and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. White and Gloria M. White, and his brothers Timothy (Judy), Dave (Brenda), and Jack (Linda), Doug (Carole) White.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen; his children, Shaun White, Jennifer Cullen (John “Sparky” Cullen) and Sarah Zimmermann; his grandchildren, Camryn, Carleigh, and William; and his siblings, Amy Reiss (Marty Reiss ), and Gloria Gallagher (Dan Gallagher).
Denis graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Paterson, NJ. In 1963, he joined the US Marine Corps, and went on to get degrees from Newark College of Engineering, Pratt Institute, and a Masters degree in Architecture from Yale University.
Professionally, Denis had a long, successful 40 year career as an architect with projects in Europe, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Maryland. His experience spanned from owning architecture firms to serving as a lead architect, supervising 28 architects and engineers for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. After his retirement he founded his own consulting firm, Crystal Health Care Planning to share his expertise in medical care facilities. In his retirement, he was on the board of the Friends of Fort Fisher in Carolina Beach, NC. He had a role in the re-design of the visitor center. He continued to be active in the Yale University community and was a participant and speaker in Yale University alumni programs.
He was a member of St.Therese Catholic Church in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Denis was a day dream believer (one of his favorite songs). He encouraged all to go after their dreams. He respected and loved original thought. He had a lifelong passion for learning. He was fascinated by the world God created. He was fascinated by the pyramids and spent many trips to Egypt exploring and working. He loved listening to music and talking about the universe with his children. He was solid in his faith, happy in his spirit and a calm pillar of strength to all. He had a witty sense of humor and never missed a chance to joke with his brothers, family and friends.
Denis’s legacy will live not only through his family and the lives he touched, but also through his contributions to his community and country. His joyful and loving spirit will be cherished and kept alive by all who knew him.
A funeral mass will be held to celebrate his life on Friday, July 31st at 11am at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Denis’s memory can be made by check to:
St. Joseph’s Food Pantry
1303 US 117S
Burgaw, NC 28425
