PLATTSBURGH – Rodger White, Jr. was born to Rodger Sr. and Beryl Fountain White on August 7, 1949 in Syracuse, NY. After some traveling with the military and the birth of a second child, the family settled in the Syracuse area where “Roddy” entered school, eventually graduating from North Syracuse High School in 1967, following years of Boy Scouts, extended strategy games, drumming, and football.

In the fall of 1967, Rodger began his higher education, studying secondary mathematics education at SUNY Plattsburgh. He enjoyed his fraternity life in Pi Alpha Nu, and met his first wife during those years. He continued his graduate studies as he began teaching math in the Saranac Central School District for years until his retirement in 2004.

During his last years of teaching, Rodger served as a Local pastor in the Morrisonville and Peasleville United Methodist Churches part time. In August 2004 he entered the Theological School at Drew University, graduating magna cum laude with a Masters of Divinity in 2007.

He served several churches in the Adirondack and Albany districts of the Upper NY Annual Conference, including West Fort Ann, Sanford’s Ridge, Wesley Chaplaincy, Johnsonville, Pittstown, Johnsburg, and Pottersville.

Rodger and Sarah (Sally) Chase were married in the Saranac UMC on March 24, 1978, settling in Saranac.

He is survived by his wife, Sally, four children: Heather Smith (Steven) of Delmar, NY: Raellen Lockley of Mesa, AZ; Christa VanCour (Justin) of Plattsburgh; and David of Dannemora, as well as his sister, Sherry Markel of Flagstaff, AZ. Grandchildren include Caleb Smith, Samuel Smith, Drew Dominie, Dorothy Jayne Smith, Adam Kesselman, Brin White, Josie VanCour, Alex VanCour, and Levi White.

Also surviving are two sisters-in law, Gwen Chase (Johanna Clift) of Rome, ME and Claudia Mendyka (John) of Lodi, NY and a brother-in-law, Robin Markel of Flagstaff. AZ. Five nephews and two nieces also survive.

For many years, Rodger and his family have navigated vascular dementia with grace and grit. His family is grateful to the medical professionals, the staff of Third Age, Rev. Philip Richards, and the many caregivers and patient family and friends who made it possible to stay in his home. He passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, in the kindly care of Unit 4 of Elderwood of Eihlein in Lake Placid.

A funeral service will be held at the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00, followed by a luncheon. Gifts in Rodger’s memory may be given to Heifer International on line.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg.