David E. White, 71, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on April 28, 2026. Born in Wilmington, David was the son of the late Fred and Sadie (née Johnson) White. He graduated from Wilmington High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.
From a humble start in the mailroom at ICI, David built a career in finance and retired after 50 years from AstraZeneca, where most recently he was North America Treasurer and was proud to serve on the board of many global pharma companies. He also served for 6 years on the Diocesan Board of Catholic Schools. But he considered his most important job to be a dad to his son, Jon, of whom he could not be more proud.
A lifelong and self-described “long-suffering” Philadelphia sports fan, David could always be found watching an Eagles or Phillies game. He was an inaugural season ticket holder for the Delaware Blue Coats, and could often be seen courtside at the games.
He was an adventurous soul and had been skydiving, hot air ballooning, ziplining over Niagara Falls, and he completed the CN Tower EdgeWalk in Toronto. He also loved dining out and spending time with family and friends over a good meal.
David enjoyed traveling with his partner Joanne and friends, including trips near and far. He and Joanne especially enjoyed visiting New York City to see Broadway shows.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald White.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan White, and his wife Alexandria; his partner, Joanne Cornacchia; his sisters, Carolyn Grubb and Lisa Romeo; his stepfather, Harrington Messick; and many nieces and nephews.
Services for David will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4th at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3710 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19808). Friends may call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment at All Saints Cemetery will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be directed to Nemours Children’s Health.
