Harlan White, 74, of Cleveland, died on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.
Growing up in Troy, New York, White attended the public schools there and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1962 with a degree in management engineering. He interrupted his college education in 1957 to join the Navy, became a pilot and was on active duty and the reserves for 10 years. He worked for the Bendix Corporation in Troy for two years, and then he and Sylvia moved to Cleveland to help start the new Bendix plant in 1964 and continued with the company until 1972, when he became an agent and then an owner of White and Associates insurance agency.
Upon arriving in Cleveland, he immediately plunged into civic activities. He joined the Cleveland Jaycees, became its president and received its Distinguished Service Award in 1970. He had served as lay director of the Emmaus Walk. Other leadership roles included the presidency of these organizations: Cleveland-Bradley Chamber of Commerce, the Cleveland Family YMCA, Cleveland Association of Life Underwriters (receiving its Distinguished Service Award in 1975), Bradley Band Boosters, and the Cleveland Kiwanis Club. His honors included the Service to Mankind Award from the Cleveland Sertoma Club in 1985 and the Altruism Award from American Legion Post 81.
Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Phillips White; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Fawzy Attia of Amman, Jordan, and Judy and Scott Proctor of Cleveland; sisters and brothers-in law, Kathryn Abrahamson of Troy, New York, and Peggy and Jeff Gorss of Saratoga Springs, NY; brothers-in-law and their wives, Harry and Carter Phillips of Columbia, SC, Grady and Pat Phillips of Atlanta, and Coy and Phyllis Phillips of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Amy Attia, Andrew Attia and Abby Attia; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family will be from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6 at Northside Presbyterian Church, where he was a member and had served as deacon, ruling elder and treasurer. Dr. David Tullock, the pastor, will officiate at the funeral service at 7 p.m. at the church, immediately following the visitation. Pallbearers will be Beecher Hunter, Marion Cook, Bob George, Carl Llewellyn, Harry Hickey and Jim Sharp.
The family graveside interment will be Monday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the following contributions would be appreciated: Cleveland Family YMCA, American Cancer Society and Northside Presbyterian Church.
Ralph Buckner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the White family guest book at www.ralphbuckner.com.