WORCESTER – Paul Hastings White Sr, age 97, died in the early morning hours on Monday, July 29th, 2024, at Central Vermont Hospital in Berlin, surrounded by and wrapped in the love of his children and grandchildren. Paul was born on May 25th, 1927 in Corinth, VT; he was the 2nd of seven children born to Worthy Dustin White and Olive Catherine (Hastings) White. Paul grew up on the family farm on White Road in Corinth and graduated from the Bradford Academy in 1945, at which time he enlisted in the United States Navy. During his service he saw overseas duty in the Philippines at the conclusion of WWII.

Upon returning to Vermont, Paul was introduced by a cousin to Dorothy Bador whom he would marry on June 25th, 1948. Paul & Dottie lived briefly in Montpelier and St Johnsbury before settling in Dottie's hometown of Worcester in 1953. Also upon returning to Vermont, Paul began his career with what was then known as the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company (later known as NYNEX), where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 1984. During his final years with the phone company Paul oversaw the statewide conversion of the old analog phone system (rotary-dial phones) to a new electronic switching system that resulted in modern features like touch-tone dialing, call waiting, call forwarding, etc. This final assignment with the phone company resulted in Paul & Dottie temporarily moving to Burlington from 1978 to 1984 but they wasted no time in returning to Worcester to enjoy their retirement years.

Paul served his community in countless ways over the years. In the town of Worcester he served on the school board, selectboard, volunteer fire department, and cemetery commission. He served his church, the Worcester United Methodist Church, as Trustee, Treasurer, and member of the Administrative Council. Paul volunteered time with the American Red Cross, and through the Telephone Pioneers of America he donated his time and talents to maintaining audio equipment for the "Books on Tape" program for the visually impaired. And finally, Paul devoted an immeasurable amount of time and labor to the Masonic fraternity over nearly 70 years of membership, including Aurora Lodge #22 in Montpelier and the Scottish Rite. Paul served as a Grand Lodge Officer and in 2000 he was awarded the 33rd degree.

Paul and Dottie were married nearly 73 years until her passing in 2021. They were blessed with six loving children, who in turn gave them 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren (so far). In addition to his parents and wife, Paul was predeceased by a brother Dustin White, brother Henry White, sister Silvette Gardner, and sister Joan Hubbard. Sadly, he was also predeceased by his son Douglas White who died just nine days earlier. Paul is survived by his sisters Jeannine Ricker and Janet White, as well as his daughter Bonnie Irwin and husband Lynn, daughter Donna Leighty Provost and husband Roger, Douglas' partner Leslie Britch, daughter Priscilla White and partner Rolf Mueller, son Brent White and wife Betty, and son Paul White Jr and wife Alison. In addition, Paul is greatly missed by his extended family, neighbors and community, as well as his fellow cribbage players everywhere.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday evening August 8th at Guare and Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at the Worcester United Methodist Church on Friday August 9th at 1:00 PM. Following the church service, burial will take place at the Worcester Mountain Cemetery (for family only) with a reception following at the church annex. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's honor may be made to either the Worcester United Methodist Church or to the Grand Lodge of Vermont's C.A.R.E. Program.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home of Montpelier. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.