Kevin R. White
Date of Passing:
Kevin R. White, 76 of Butler Avenue, Providence, died unexpectedly on November 30, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence. He was the husband and lifelong love of Patricia E. Donaldson, with whom he shared 45 unconventional years.
Born in Providence, the son of the late Austin E. White and Donalda (Bessette) White. Kevin made his home in several places throughout his life including New Paltz, NY, and Northampton, MA before returning to Providence for the past 24 years. Kevin spent summers in Cape Cod for 40 years and especially loved his community of friends in Truro, MA. Wherever he lived, he created a home that felt alive and welcoming, a place where people couldn’t help but gather and connect.
Kevin was a clinical psychologist in private practice for 45 years. He was a graduate of Lehigh University and earned his MS and PhD at St. Louis University. He was a dedicated clinician respected by colleagues and clients alike for his intellect, compassion, wisdom, humor and a profound ability to uncover and nurture the potential in others.
A man of boundless curiosity and adventure, he explored the world on foot, by bike, in kayak and by small plane, always seeking new challenges and experiences, which he loved to share. He was an instrument-rated pilot, once flying his Piper Cherokee all the way to Chile. He was a voracious reader and a lifelong learner; he loved sharing music and seeing films with his friends.
Kevin marveled at the simple miracle of being alive, how incredible it is that we get to experience the world. He valued relationships and strived to help others make lives of pleasure and security. He lived boldly, laughed often, and was always a man with a plan. Oh and that hair.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Harry White and his wife Amy of Coventry CT; his beloved granddaughters, Olivia and Ashlyn (who always knew him as their Opa); two brothers: Austin White, Jr and his wife Susan of Middletown RI and Jensen Beach FL; Thomas White of Redding CT and Jensen Beach FL; his sister, Paula Connolly of Needham and Harwich, MA. He was pre-deceased by his sister Diane White of Middletown RI, his brother-in-law Edward Connolly and sister-in-law Mary Jane White. No description of Kevin’s life would be complete without the mention of the next generations whom he loved: his nieces and nephews, Meghan and Mandeep Saund, Erica and James Carney, Kelly O’Loughlin and Jim Corcoran, Austin White III and Monica Rodgers, Ryan White, Brigid and Brendan Rogers, Tara and Charlie Ochman, as well as all of their children. He will be deeply missed by his cousins, Carol and Charles O’Coin, not to mention Lucas Jope and Samantha Spearin.
A Memorial Service will be held in the spring of 2026, with the date and time to be announced. Contributions in Kevin’s memory to Crossroads Rhode Island, 160 Broad St Providence RI 02903 or Oxfam.org would be deeply appreciated.
Dear Patti – I just found out that Kevin passed. Elizabeth and I send our condolences and best wishes. We both have many fond memories of time we spent together.
I was friends with Kevin 50 years ago when we were fellow interns in clinical psychology at Norwich Hospital in Connecticut. Kevin was the 25 year old version of who he always was. My most frequent memory was going to a tavern after work, sort of a biker bar, and every time we sat down, Kevin would put money in the jukebox and play Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side. He was a good man.
I reconnected with Kevin in 2017 for our class of ‘67 Classical High School 50th reunion. It was amazing to learn about his life experiences after graduation – his serving in the Merchant Marines, becoming a pilot, a clinical psychologist, meeting Patty. We shared a love of movies, seen especially at big screen theaters. Although Kevin’s taste in film was more refined than mine, he gamely accompanied me to the occasional horror or sci-fi movie. He turned a dedicated martini drinker into someone who appreciated his wide range of cocktails. I loved going out to dinner or drinks and apps with Kevin. He was so adapt at ordering some complicated cocktail with Saint Germaine or Lillet Blanc. But perhaps what I loved best about Kevin, was that you could talk to him about anything.
I am so saddened to learn of Kevin’s unexpected passing. I knew him and Patty in Northampton where I enjoyed working on their home improvements. His intelligence and wit and understanding of everything was limitless.
I was sad to see them move to Providence.
Patty, Im so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine losing such an incredible person.
Good guy. Knew him in Northampton, he hired me to teach him harmonica!
Kevin, you touched my life even if was so briefly. I mourn you. Patty, I am so sorry for your loss. Mona Barbera
I went to grammar school (St. Sebastian’s) with Kevin. He was so smart and so funny. I’ve often thought of things he daud when we were kids. They were so insightful and I’ve always been amazed that he was, like, all of 12 when he said them. Oh, and mischievous as all hell too!
Condolences from his St Sebastians classmates of ‘63.
I feel blessed and grateful to have reconnected with Steve during our last CHS reuniouns. We shared a kinship as counselors… and stories of life’s adventures. He had an unusual abundance of spiritual energy – witnessed by his love of life and everybody he met. I will miss him at our next reunioun but his kindness and compassion will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family.
Kevin transformed my life. It’s as simple and profound as that. Through humor, perceptive questioning and deep insight he opened my eyes to new truths – which once internalized – changed how I see and live I n the world. I am forever grateful to have known Kevin and send heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. This is truly a great loss.
Kevin will be deeply missed by many. Kevin had an unusually perceptive understanding of the human soul. A counselor to all and a dear close friend to so many. He was wise and patient man, a real ‘mensch’. In knowing Kevin in the last five years, I have known one of the sweetest souls I have ever met.
I pray you find great peace and love forever!
So sorry to get a call from Sandy Cerel Monday to tell me of Kevin’s passing. At our recent MCA gathering, my wife said he looked like the healthiest classmate there. I was happy to see him, but saddened now to know it would be the last time. RIP my classmate and brother.
I really enjoyed meeting him and his wife with my girlfriend Ashlyn White. He was an amazing man, endless wisdom and stories. He had a great attitude even after coming down with illness when I came over and welcomed me with open arms. I think he even complimented me about my mental maturity after the fact to Ashlyn if I recall correctly (not to toot my own horn). It’s just that which was so unique, his ability to understand and connect with a stranger so well and to be so open is amazing. I wish I could’ve talked more with him.