Duane Lee White Jr.
Duane Lee White Jr., known affectionately by family and friends as DL, of the Shinnecock Nation died on April 28 as in a car accident. He was 22.
Born on April 14, 1990, he was the son of Sharon and Duane Lee White Sr. and attended Southampton Public Schools. At the age of 9, Mr. White began to work alongside his father in their family-owned landscaping business. Mr. White was raised a Christian, and as a talented and willing young man, he was quick to respond to the need of his generation. He was a member of both the Shinnecock Nation Warrior Society and the Young Men of Shinnecock. According to survivors, his courage, strength, integrity and love were evident in his actions.
Mr. White later met Kimberly Del Rio and the couple had a daughter, Amar’e Milan White, who was his pride and joy.
Mr. White was known as an extraordinary person whose sense of style and fashion was apparent through his vast collection of hats and sneakers. As an avid fan of basketball, he was always ready for a game. Always interested in a good meal, he would ask, “What’s to eat?” or “What you got cooking?” His family said he could brighten any dark day with one flash of his beautiful smile that revealed deep dimples.
In addition to his parents, Mr. White is survived by his sister, Tiana A. Gaines and her husband Michael; brothers, Dominic and Devon White; maternal grandmother, Corrine Kellis; paternal grandparents, the Reverend Doc White and Ollie White; his daughter, Amar’e Milan White; and girlfriend, Kimberly Del Rio; a niece, Gabriella Gaines; a nephew Julien Putmon; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Visitation for Mr. White took place at Southampton Full Gospel Church in Southampton on Thursday, May 3. Interment followed at the Shinnecock Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to Young Men Of Shinnecock, c/o Dyron Robinson, Box 5006, Southampton, NY 11969.