Leonard B. White, Jr.

Leonard Berry White, Jr was born on June 23, 1926 in Harlem, NY as the firstborn child to Lucille and Leonard B. White, Sr. natives of Virginia who relocated to Striver’s Row. Lenny , as friends and family affectionately knew him, was educated in the New York City public school system. He graduated in 1944 from John Adams High School in South Ozone Park, NY. where he held the city wide track record for the 100 yard dash. Although Lenny desired to attend college, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Staff Sergeant during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946. While serving in the Army, Lenny met one of his music heroes, Lester Young. In 1947, Lenny married Frieda Estelle Smith, who was the love of his life until she predeceased him in 2000. From their union 2 sons were born, Leonard B., III (Lenny) and William Peter (Bill). Lenny was strongly influenced by his father, Leonard White, Sr. in many areas of his life, including business and music. He acquired his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, which lead him to venture into various enterprises. His father who played piano and was friends with the likes of Teddy Wilson, Fats Waller, and James P. Johnson gave him intimate access to Jazz legends. As an extrovert and seeker of higher knowledge, Lenny was connected to many circles and could hold conversations with just about anyone. Everyone would sit and listen to his story telling, especially those that included vibrant anecdotes and sound effects that only he could deliver. Lenny had many passions, the first being love of his family; playing bid-whiz with his life long friends; attending air shows (he desired to be a pilot); and baking some of the best sweet potato biscuits, rolls, cakes and pies ever, and sharing the recipes with family members who continually try to emulate. Lenny leaves to cherish his memory his loving sister, Doris Houston; his son and daughter-in-law, Lenny and Jill White; his son and daughter-in-law Bill and Cheryl White; Grandchildren, Justin (Thamarra LaMarre) Ayana, and Amir White and Keith Scott; Great-granddaughter Riley White; Nieces Diane Frazier, Claudia Morrison (Floyd), and Andrea Houston; Grand Nieces Karla and Erica Morrison and Nia and Ashley Sherard; First Cousins Ophelia Powell (Charlie)(, Earl (Bubba) Flora (Mary), Vernal Flora and a host of other relatives and friends.

Leonard B. White, Jr.

February 26, 2016