Obituary: Donald “Don” White
Donald “Don” White, 85, of Naples, Fla., Dies After Surgery Complications
DONALD “DON” WHITE, a lifelong resident of Naples, Florida, died on Feb. 21, 2026, at the age of 85. The 85‑year‑old was surrounded by family at the time of his passing, which came after complications arising from a recent surgical procedure.
White was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, to Helen and Charles White. He grew up in Centerburg, where the rhythms of farm life and the daily routine of delivering newspapers shaped his work ethic and determination. A natural athlete, White excelled in football, basketball, and track during his youth, eventually earning a scholarship to Kent State University. At Kent, he played on the football team and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.
After graduating, White entered the world of retail management. His talent for sales led him to a career in banking, where he became well‑known for developing effective sales training programs and driving business growth. In the mid‑1980s he turned his entrepreneurial spirit toward the flooring industry, founding Northeast Commercial Carpet. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of New England’s leading commercial flooring firms. White also ran a successful sales‑consulting practice that served clients across the United States and Canada.
White’s personal life was marked by love and adventure. He met his future wife, Cherie Ellis, in a Cape Elizabeth club, and the couple married a year later at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Together, they enjoyed 58 years of marriage and raised two children: Kent, who lives in York with his wife Heidi, and Courtney, who lives in Cape Elizabeth with her husband Matthew. White was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—Lindsey and Camden White; and Morgan, Hope, Colin, and Heather Campbell—who were a constant source of joy for him.
An avid outdoorsman, White embraced a wide range of activities. He was an accomplished sailor, skier, golfer, cyclist, and RV traveler. In his eighties he still took on daring challenges, such as riding 80 miles on a bicycle for his 80th birthday and skydiving for the first time. His adventurous spirit was matched by an unshakable optimism, even when health issues presented obstacles.
White was pre‑deceased by his sister, Stephanie Hale. He is survived by his wife, Cherie; his daughter, Courtney Campbell, and son, Kent White; his sister‑in‑law, Susan Ellis; his nephew, Barry Hale; and his six grandchildren. Friends, coworkers, and community members in both Maine and Florida will remember him as a generous, hardworking, and loving man.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth. After the service, White will be interred in the Peace Garden, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Purpoodock Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.
