City Councilmember Thomas White Jr., a Democrat who represented the 28th District, passed away on Friday, August 27 after battling cancer.
He had been hospitalized in the days prior to his death, and, according to Yvonne Williamson, chief-of-staff, had celebrated his birthday with family and friends just the week before.
White, 71, served in the City Council for 10 years, from 1992 to 2001, and was term-limited out, but was re-elected last November after narrowly defeating opponent Lynn Nunes in a primary cliffhanger.
“Tom White was a longtime friend and colleague in government,” said Borough President Helen Marshall. “He was also a person who cared deeply about the communities he represented during his terms in the City Council. He was a native of the area he served and understood completely the need for government to effectively be involved in youth to senior programs.”
She continued, “Whether linking residents with Medicare programs or providing forums on community revitalization or job training, Tom was always there to help. As a co-founder of the organization J-CAP, a residential treatment center, he also worked to help victims of alcohol and substance abuse to have better futures. He will be missed by me and the many people he so effectively served.”
White was waked at the Allen AME Church Cathedral, with funeral services planned for Thursday, September 2. He is survived by his mother, Marie, 89; son Bryan; daughter Lucille; and grandsons Lamar and Jacob.
There will be a Special Election for his seat on Tuesday, November 2, the day of the general election.
“I’m hearing rumors that a lot of people will be running,” said Williamson, who noted that she is unsure whether White’s office will remain open, and for how long.
The winner of the Special Election will serve until 2011, at which point there will be another primary and general election for the remainder of White’s term, through 2013.
