Dr. Robert Paul White, 67, of Stafford County, passed away on August 4, 2018, after a long and ultimately unsuccessful battle with brain cancer. Dr. White was born in Williamsport to the late James Bernard White and Margaret Mary (Solomon) White.

He graduated Williamsport High School in 1969 and subsequently received a degree in elementary education at Lock Haven State College. Dr. White obtained a Master’s in history from Mansfield State College prior to entering the U.S. Air Force in 1980. While stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, he obtained a second Master’s degree from Georgetown University. It was there that he met and married his wife of nearly 30 years, Mary Elizabeth White.

Dr. White was awarded a PhD in Military History from Ohio State University in 1999, and his dissertation, a biography on Major General Mason M. Patrick was later published by the Smithsonian Press. He retired from the Air Force in 2000, and worked as an information management specialist at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in Arlington, Virginia until he retired for health reasons.

Dr. White also taught U.S. History at Germanna Community College for many years and never lost his love and enthusiasm for teaching. Dr. White seldom used his title but introduced himself as “Bob White”. He was modest, unpretentious, intensely private and constantly working on some project or another.

He spent his free time renovating the home he shared with his wife and son and was 100 percent devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, James Samuel White; and his step-daughters, Nancy Henderson and MSgt. Katherine Ruffatto, USAF. He is also survived by his mother, Margaret; as well as four siblings: Dr. James Edward White, Alice Schuster and Connie Suffecool, all of Pennsylvania, as well as his youngest brother, Tim White, of Evansville, Indiana.

He will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery when arrangements have been completed and a celebration of his life will be arranged at a future date for close friends and family members.

Submitted by family.