March 26, 1945 - September 18, 2025
David P. White, long-time Nantucket local and infamous Opera House bartender, passed away from Alzheimer’s related complications Thursday, September 18. 2025. He was 80.
David was born in Greenwich, CT, the oldest child of Dorothy and Lawrence White. After attending an all boys Catholic school through 8th grade, David was ready for Greenwich High School in the late ‘50s. David graduated from Greenwich High School in 1963, a proud member of the undefeated 1962-1963 state champion football team.
After high school he moved south to attend the University of South Carolina. Finding he enjoyed his life and brothers at Sigma Chi more than his classes, he dropped out before finishing his degree. After a few years of traveling, including some winters in the mountains of Colorado, he and a group of friends moved to Nantucket in the summer of 1968. It was there he started to build his community, friends and family, and where he lived for the next 60 years.
Over his first 20 years on Nantucket he spent his days surfing and sleeping on the beach, and his nights behind the bar at the Opera House on South Water Street, alongside good friends manager Chick Walsh, and owner Gwen Gaillard.
In the off-season, between surf trips to Hawaii and Costa Rica, he worked construction. After the Opera House closed in the mid-80s, he spent a few years behind the bar at the Boarding House, and eventually transitioned to the construction industry year-round, running his own business as a painting contractor, aptly named “Great White Painting”.
He had two daughters, Lily and Kyra, with his late former wife, Marjorie Harris. Many who knew David recall it wasn’t until his daughters were born in the early 90s’ that David felt he’d finally found his purpose. David’s daughters were his greatest pride and favorite conversation topic, as all who knew him can attest.
David will be remembered as a protective and devoted father, always present in his daughters’ lives—whether coaching their sports teams, cheering from the sidelines, or simply making them laugh with his signature brand of dad humor. A passionate supporter of all Boston sports, especially his beloved Red Sox, he found joy in cheering them on through every season. He loved good food, new restaurants, and never missed his daily Boston Globe, which fueled his sharp knowledge of politics and the economy despite never finishing college. He also loved the ocean and the warmth of summer, far preferring the beach to the snow and cold. He was happiest on Tuckernuck with a radio tuned to the Red Sox Radio Network, a Coronita in one hand and a Something Natural sandwich in the other, and a loyal black lab by his side.
He is survived by his daughters, Lily Orlin and Kyra White; daughter-in-law, Katherine Orlin; grandsons Rowan and Vance Orlin; and his sister and brother-in-law Susan and Ken Beauchene and their family.
A memorial service will be held on Nantucket November 15th at the Unitarian Church with a reception following. Details to follow.