Oscar White

Oscar was born in Brooklyn, NY and had a distinguished career as a portrait photographer. As the president of Pach Brothers, one of the oldest portrait photography studios in North America, Oscar personally captured the images of famous 20th century figures including Presidents Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson. His subjects ranged from Helen Keller to Eleanor Roosevelt to Madonna. He authored a book, "Portrait Photography", and taught photography courses at the college level and for Road Scholar. He was frequently asked to speak to community groups about his career. Oscar also served in the Army in the Asia Pacific during World War 2 and was active at Iwo Jima.

Oscar reinvented himself when he retired in his early 70s. He became a very active participant with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and assumed many leadership roles. His most noted contribution was his participation in the Clowns R Us program, where, in 2004, he took on the persona of “Schlumpy” and entertained audiences up until a few months ago. He also worked for many years on the breakfast crew at a local soup kitchen. In his “spare time” he wrote numerous short stories and limericks and played the recorder. Oscar was named Senior Citizen of the Year in Rockland County in 2011. Additionally, he was honored with the Giraffe Award in 2015 for “sticking his neck out” in service to the community.

In addition to Judy, he is survived by his daughters Roberta (Bobbi) White Smith (Dan Smith) of Marblehead, MA and Joanne White (Ted Friedman) of Arlington, MA, and grandchildren who adored him: Zachary Smith, Doron and Helen (Giddings) Erez, and Ilan Erez. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Samuel and Rose (Dunetz) White; his brother, Nathan White; sister, Sarah Singer; and son-in-law, Zvi Erez.

The family will host a celebration of life at a date and location to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rockland Interfaith Breakfast, 11 Church Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977.