Robert E. White of Grand Island, a longtime teacher in the Niagara Falls School District, died Saturday (Aug. 21, 1999) in Hospice Buffalo Mitchell Campus in Cheektowaga after a lengthy illness. He was 53.
A Buffalo native, White, who was known as Big Bob, graduated from Kenmore West High School and Niagara County Community College. He went on to earn a master's degree in industrial arts and special education from Buffalo State College.  He taught special education at LaSalle Middle School during a 30-year career in the Falls school district.
White was a member of the Western New York Van Association, Bobcats of North Tonawanda, Grand Island Lions Club, Niagara Orleans Model Railroad Engineers and Island United Presbyterian Church, Grand Island.
Survivors include his wife, the former Margaret K. Steves; two daughters, Sherry Lynn and Robin Lee, both of Grand Island; a son, Brandon Michael of Grand Island; and his parents, Howard of Dallas, Ga., and Alice of the Town of Tonawanda.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Island United Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Road, Grand Island.