E. Herbert White, Jr.

E. Herbert White Jr., “Herb,” 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Schenectady, NY, on January 28, 2026, surrounded by family, after a long illness. Born and raised in Elsmere, Herb was the son of the late E. Herbert Sr. and Anna Mae (Morrison) White.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, steady and reliable presence, and his ability to brighten any moment with a funny-often inappropriate-joke and a mischievous smirk.

Family and community were central to Herb’s life. His family has deep roots in the Elsmere Fire Department. Like his father and grandfather before him, Herb was proud to be involved in many ways-as a volunteer, as the Captain of the Elsmere Wanderers Firematic Drill Team, and as an exempt member. Alongside his mother, Anna Mae, his wife Jean, and their family, he catered hundreds of events at the American Legion Post 1040 in Elsmere, where he was a lifetime member.

Herb spent many years working for Moore Oil Company in Burnt Hills, where he managed the distribution of fuel to Atlantic Gas Stations, among others, across New York State.

Food service remained a constant throughout Herb’s life, he found deep fulfillment operating KW Savory, as President alongside his family in downtown Albany; the deli at Grand Union; Account Manager for Formisano Bakery Products; the Hannaford deli in Niskayuna and most recently at Rotterdam, where he was fondly known by customers and co-workers as “The Deli Man.”

Serving others through food was more than a profession-it was a personal connection to his mother, with whom he shared a close bond and a love of caring for others. He took great pride and found purpose in service.

Herb also enjoyed music, auto racing, locomotives, bowling, and catching a baseball game-Go Yankees!

Herb was predeceased by his siblings Sharon (White) Martinez, Robert White, Ethel (White) Cullen, and Michael White.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean L. (Hunter) White; daughter Susan A. White; son Edgar Herbert (Louise) White III; beloved granddaughters Rosalie and Katelyn; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, NY, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or Community Hospice.

To share a memory of Herb or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.