John R. White, age 86, of Munster, Indiana, peacefully passed away on April 1, 2025.
He is survived by his wife, Carole; daughters Lisa Schnick (Doug), Lori Smith (Josh), and Leslie Mordus (Mike); grandchildren Andrew, Jake (Morgan), Madison, and Adam; and great-grandsons Jaxon and Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise White, and his brother Mike — who is surely waiting for him with a fishing pole in one hand and a beer in the other. John is also survived by his brothers Jim (Fran) and Pat (Mary Kay), and sister-in-law Cathy.
Born on Christmas Day in Chicago, John’s life was a gift to all who knew him. His humor and lighthearted spirit stayed with him right to the end, fittingly leaving us on April Fools’ Day, as if he had one last wink and smile to share.
John married the love of his life, Carole, and together they shared 62 wonderful years. They built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
John was an Army veteran who served as a firefighter for the Hammond Fire Department for 30 years, retiring as a Captain — which, in his world, meant being an expert chili cook, storyteller, and the first one through a burning door. But his true titles were even more important: loving husband, proud girl dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and friend.
A celebration of his life will be held at St. Maria Goretti Church, 500 Northgate Dr, Dyer, IN, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass and a luncheon.
Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Autism Society of Indiana https://secure.qgiv.com/for/autismsocietyofindiana.
In lieu of flowers, share a story, tell a joke, or strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know — John would have loved that.
For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vas by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com
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