Paul Edouard de Merlier White

Paul Edouard de Merlier White, a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished son, loving brother, and unforgettable friend, passed away on June 6, 2025. He was 45 years old.

Born at Einstein Hospital in the Bronx on January 8, 1980, Paul was raised in Pelham, NY, where he attended the Pelham school system and graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in 1998. A standout student-athlete, Paul was a star in both basketball and football, known for his determination and competitive spirit. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 2002.

Although Paul and Lisa met in high school, it wasn’t until their twenties that their paths reconnected. In the summer of 2011, their friendship blossomed into love while Paul was bartending at the Public House. Not long after, they took their first trip to Greenport, Long Island — a place that had been dear to Paul since childhood — and the rest was history.

Paul’s warmth, humor, and natural charisma made him unforgettable. Whether working behind a bar, hosting gatherings in his backyard, or cheering from the sidelines, Paul thrived on connection. He had a great passion for sports — a proud Yankees, Knicks, and Giants fan — and would be so excited every time the Euro Cup or World Cup came around.

Family meant everything to Paul. He was a loving, hands-on father to Lili, endlessly proud of her and invested in her growth. He cheered her on in everything she did — whether she was performing, creating, learning, or just being herself. To Paul, Lili was amazing at everything, and he made sure she knew it. He loved sharing things with her: trying to teach her about history, encouraging her to help make his sauce, and bonding over their shared love of pickles and cookies. They also shared a love for snow — playing in it, walking through it, and making the most of every snowy day together. Some of their favorite moments were spent together at Shorefront Park, enjoying the simple joys of a walk, a view, and each other’s company. The way Paul loved Lili was full-hearted, constant, and filled with joy — and she will carry that with her always.

Together, Paul, Lisa, and Lili made many beautiful memories. Many of those memories were created in Greenport across every season — visiting farm stands and picking out the best tomatoes and fresh corn, enjoying the beautiful vineyards and drinking the best wines, stopping at the fish market, and returning home with treats for everyone.

Paul cherished bringing people together. He especially loved the holidays, when he’d cook his signature sauce, keep the fire going, and create a space where friends and family felt at home. His backyard became a spot for laughter, sports, and warmth with his closest friends— always ending the night around the fire pit.

He is survived by his loving wife of ten years, Lisa, and their beautiful talented daughter, Liliana; his father, Roy White; his sisters, Stephanie Ward (Rob) and Elizabeth Lore (Billy); his nieces and nephews: Kieran Ward, and Josephine and David Lore; and countless extended family and close friends who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Josephine White.

Paul lived with a fierce love for his people, a loyalty that never wavered, and a personality that filled every room he entered. He had a lifelong love for music — a drummer at heart who played in a band in high school and never lost his passion for sound. From the beats of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers to the depths of Pink Floyd, music was his constant companion, his joy, and an expression of connection.

His love was big, his presence even bigger, and the space he leaves behind will never be filled — only honored. He will be deeply missed and remembered with so much love.

A celebration of Paul's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York on Wednesday June 11thfrom 3-8pm. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church located at 575 Fowler Avenue, Pelham Manor, New York on Thursday June 12th at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In honor of Paul and to support Lisa and Lili during this time, donations may be made to https://gofund.me/f2f93708

For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.