Obituary of Earl R. White

Obituary: Earl Randolph White Jr.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Earl Randolph White Jr., who departed this life on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the age of 63 In Tannersville, New York. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to allow time for family and friends to gather and honor Earl’s memory together.

Born on February 1, 1962, in Manhattan, New York, Earl was raised in the South Bronx, surrounded by the love and strength of his family in the brownstone they proudly owned. Affectionately known as “Randy”, a nickname drawn from his middle name, he was the second of two sons born to Leonia Guiania Benners and Earl Randolph White Sr. Earl’s love for the outdoors was sparked in childhood during cherished family trips to Thousand Acres Dude Ranch, especially those with his beloved Aunt Mildred White. These experiences left a lasting impression and planted the seeds for a lifelong passion for horseback riding, rodeo culture, and the outdoors. Many lifelong friendships generated from his experiences working and building community at Malibu Ranch and Diamond Horseshoe Ranch.

Earl was multifaceted. He trained in martial arts, studying related literature focused on philosophical values as well as technique. He expressed a great affinity for hip hop music, experiencing the birth of the genre in his neighborhood and youth. He was adept at equine care, mechanics, construction, building infrastructural systems, and property management. Earl was a valued employee at Ulster BOCES where he was a member of the property maintenance team ensuring the schools are welcoming and safe environments.

Though he maintained close roots in New York City, Earl found his greatest peace in upstate New York, where he lived and worked on a quiet mountainside. He was an outdoorsman, a lover of open skies, and a man who found comfort in simplicity. Earl will be remembered for his sharp wit, charismatic presence, generosity and the thoughtful, sometimes unexpected wisdom he offered to those who sought his guidance. He had the rare ability to make others laugh while also making them think more deeply.

Earl leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience. He was preceded in death by his loving partner, Donna Smith, whose memory he cherished. He is survived by his daughter, Monique Pinero, his stepdaughter, Hannah Smith, his loyal dog Chase, and a wide circle of cousins from both The White and Thomas families.

Care has been entrusted to Decker Funeral Home, condolences may be left at www.deckerfh.com