Obituary of Charles William White

Charles W. White October 19, 1921 -- November 10, 2010 Charles ("Charlie") White, 89, passed away following a brief illness, with his family by his side. He was born in San Fernando, California, the third of seven children, with three sisters and three brothers. Charlie grew up in various areas of California; his family followed the fruit harvest in Hollister, Gilroy, and the San Joaquin Valley during the Great Depression. He loved John Steinbeck's books and often remarked that his life was very similar to the characters in The Grapes of Wrath. Charlie served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 -- 1944 aboard the USS Pelius, a submarine tender. While stationed in Freemantle, West Australia, he met and married Jessie McRobert. He returned home to San Francisco and awaited his wife and first-born son, Charles, as they made the long journey to America. They settled in Seaside, California and raised their four children: Charles, Nichol, Patricia (Mazzitelli) and Maxine (Alberti). Charlie was truly a self-made man. He owned and operated White's Auto Wreckers on Del Monte Boulevard in Seaside for more than twenty years. He also made a living as a commercial salmon fisherman while living in Bandon, Oregon for three years. He had many adventures on the seas and loved every minute. He retired at an early age and spent many years traveling, golfing, sport fishing, and bowling. He was an avid bowler, active in many leagues on the Monterey Peninsula. Whatever he pursued, he pursued with passion and determination. He was a hardworking provider whose keen wit and sense of humor stayed with him until the end. In 2001, Charlie lost his beautiful Aussie bride, Jessie, after 57 years of marriage. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A private celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 20. Please contact Mission Mortuary (www.missionmortuary.com) for information. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.