Chester W. White

June 11, 1938 - February 25, 2022

CHESTER W. WHITE, SR. was born on June 11, 1938, in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Chester B. White and Clara (Washington) White. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Donald B. White. Chester was a graduate of the Altoona Area school system where he excelled in basketball, earning the nickname “Chet the Jet.” After losing his father at the age of 17, Chester was raised by his mother and was moved to take on a larger role in supporting his family and building a legacy. He enrolled at Juniata College where he was the only student of color. He studied Public Administration and was well-regarded by the faculty as an excellent scholar.

On August 11th, 1956, Chester married the love of his life, Marva Jean Boddy. In that year, they welcomed the births of their first two children: Kim and Chester, Jr. In pursuit of opportunities to provide a better life for his new family, he and Jean moved from Altoona to Chicago, Illinois where he held several positions, including at the U.S. Postal Service and the railroad. After making the South Side of the Windy City their home, Chester and Jean had the last of four children: Kelly and Vicki. He proudly accepted the challenges, responsibilities, and joys that came with his growing family.

In 1962, Chester joined the Chicago Police Department, where he began what would be a 30-year career in law enforcement. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving his community as a patrolman before being assigned as a Crime Laboratory Technician. Later, he was promoted again and served as a Detective in the Intelligence Division where he was responsible for monitoring activities related to organized crime. His outstanding work was recognized in 1968 when he received a Department Commendation for service beyond the call of duty. Being one of only 30 officers of color in the Department during that time, he fought against discrimination until his eventual resignation from the department in 1973.

Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University in 1973, Chester moved his family to Dale City, Virginia where he began a new phase of his law enforcement career. He held various executive positions in the investigation departments of the District of Columbia Government, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Energy. In 1986, he accepted an offer to work for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. After spending five years with NRC, he returned to the DC area, taking a job at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. There, he served as the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations until 1996.

Before his retirement in 2001, Chester completed his illustrious career at the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Serving as Staff Director, he provided administrative direction to staff and training to police agencies throughout the country. He is remembered there as a fair and compassionate man who was not afraid to use his position to ensure employment opportunities were inclusive and diverse. He always remained dedicated to his family, career, and friends. He was highly regarded for his strength of character, leaving a lasting impact that will long be remembered.

Chester W. White, Sr., is survived by his beloved wife; Marva Jean White and their children, Kim White, Chester White, Jr., Kelly Mitchell, and Vicki (Guy) Foster. He is also survived by his god daughter, Rhonda Pittman; grandchildren, Nichole, Guy II, Derek, Jasmin (Anthony, Sr.); and great-grandchildren, Anthony, Jr., Chase, Jordan, Makayla, Tristan, Kyrie, Layla, Isaiah, Caden, Caleb, James, and Ashton.

His family and friends will live on with the privilege and benefits that came with his name and legacy. Chester’s selfless and devoted nature established a solid foundation and cultivated family traditions for future generations.

On February 25, 2022, Chester Wallace White, Sr., moved on to be with God in Heaven. May he rest in eternal peace after blessing this world with his life for 83 years. He will be missed by all.