Alfred Joseph White

Alfred Joseph White, a distinguished career diplomat, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at the age of 95 at his home in Washington, DC. Born in Philadelphia on August 16, 1929 to parents Helen R. Burke and Eugene P. White, Al was raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Utica, New York. From a young age, he displayed a deep curiosity about the world — a trait that would define his life and career.

A graduate of Georgetown University, Al served in the United States Army before joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1957. Over the course of his career, Al served in posts around the world, including Germany (Bremen), Sudan (Khartoum), Italy (Turin and Rome), Austria (Vienna), Turkey (Ankara), and Venezuela (Caracas). While stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Turin, Italy, Al met Gabriella Vedrini, the woman who would become his beloved wife. They shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.

Those who knew Al remember him as the utmost gentleman—kind, composed, diplomatic in the truest sense, and always gracious. He had a lifelong love of reading, especially history, and an encyclopedic memory that made him a fascinating storyteller and cherished conversationalist. His knowledge spanned an extraordinary range of topics. His family affectionately recalls the familiar sight of a thick, hardcover book tucked under his arm, or of his passion for ancient maps. During his retirement, he stayed current on news across many interest areas, and you would often find him happily immersed in a variety of newspapers. He also loved to write and leaves behind a collection of wonderful stories from his travels, as well as a detailed history of his grandfather’s Civil War service - patiently pieced together from his wartime journals written in code. Above all, he was a good listener—attentive, thoughtful, and generous with his time and attention.

Al is survived by his wife, Gabriella; his daughters, Helen (with partner Marco) and Susi (with husband Greg); his sister, Margaret; and five beloved grandchildren: Alex, Cristina, Jed, Francesca, and Jacqueline. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, humility, and gentle strength. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Marú for her compassionate and dedicated care.

He will be deeply missed but always remembered with profound love and admiration.

Al’s life will be remembered and celebrated by family and friends at a Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Washington, DC, on Saturday, September 27 at 10 a.m., followed by a reception onsite.