Dr. Roger E. White, Orthodontist

For 85 years Dr. White left an impact on his community, touching the hearts of people from many backgrounds and cultures. The son of Earl Stivenson White and Ada Grace Bosland White was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. He attended local schools and graduated from Paterson Central High School. He received his BS and DDS degrees from Fairleigh Dickerson University and practiced dentistry for several years on Haledon Avenue in Prospect Park after which he returned to FDU for his Orthodontic Studies and where he also taught in the dental school for many years).

In 1965 Roger married Judy Anne Zauner and they moved to Church Street in Haledon where they raised their family and were active in community and church.

They are the proud parents of Darren Roger (Angelique) White of Oakland, NJ., and Derrek William (Stephanie) White of Buda, Texas and grandparents of Evan William, Danielle Eleni, and Gia Maria of Oakland and William Krizak-White of Buda.

Upon graduation from Ortho School Dr. White began his Orthodontic Practice on Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne where in addition to excellent treatment, his patients received friendship and care. He was especially delighted by the diversity of his patients and the fact that many patients returned years after their treatment with their children.

Roger was proud to have served in the New Jersey Army Reserve National Guard for many years and spent much time at Camp (now Fort) Drum in Watertown, NY. It was while he was at Drum that Judy Anne discovered nearby Clayton in the Thousand Islands and their lifelong love of the area began. It became the favorite vacation spot for them, their children, and grandchildren and an integral part of their lives. They also enjoyed camping at Fort. Wilderness in Florida.

Their travels included Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean and they attended several Olympics, but most of their adventures were in the US and Canada following Drum and Bugle Corps. Roger was a proud alumnus of the Hawthorne Caballeros and Roger and Judy Anne were VIP members of Friends of DCI. In addition to viewing spectacular performances, they benefited from wonderful friendships with fellow fans from all over.

Roger was an avid sports fan. He loved the Giants and Mets but also liked Kansas City and Judy Anne’s Yankees and Jets when they were playing other teams. He coached little league baseball, was a Boy Scout Leader, and was active in Haledon PAL, The Haledon Business and Professional Association, and, with Judy Anne, church youth groups.

Roger was an encourager. He attended almost all of his children’s and Oakland grandchildren’s sporting events. In all kinds of weather, in all kinds of places, he was there rooting and cheering!

And he particularly encouraged and empowered Judy Anne as she responded to her call to ministry, studied at Drew Theological School and served numerous churches throughout North Jersey. He was a Lay Speaker. He taught Bible Studies, worked in church kitchens, served on committees, and kept the home fire burning. He was a Steven Ministry Leader at Grace Church in Wyckoff and as such touched the hearts of countless people.

And Roger was above all a living representative of God’s love. He had deep friendships with folks from so many different faith communities, (and even a few atheists!) He chose not to judge people but to love them.

He was an active lay member in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and an advocate for all people. His heart ached for the people of the Ukraine, the Middle East, those far away and those nearby who suffered injustice, and all those who were excluded for whatever reason. Even when he was severely ill he would pick up the phone and ask, “who should I call today?”

We will be celebrating Roger’s life on Sunday, November 10th at 2 pm at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff. Please join us.

In lieu of flowers donations in Roger’s name to the Centenary Fund of Greater New Jersey Conference United Methodist Church c/o Grace UMC, Wyckoff, NJ would be deeply appreciated.