NIP Celebrates Shipmate at Memorial Gathering

NIP helped in paying tribute to the late Commander (Ret) Trentwell “Pete" White at a memorial luncheon held in his honor on Monday, 6 October. Pete passed away on 25 August at age 93 after a brief battle with pneumonia. 

The gathering took place at Pete’s most recent hometown church, Greenwich Presbyterian Church, in Nokesville, Virginia. NIP Chair Vice Admiral (Ret) Bob Sharp attended, along with NIP Programs Committee Chair Captain (Ret) Bob Allen and NIP editor Commander (Ret) Sue Himes. 

Admiral Sharp addressed the group of Pete’s friends that were there with Pete’s daughter, Meredith, and his widow, Pat. Holding a copy of the first NIP Newsletter from 1985 and a copy of the latest READBOOK from the Spring 2025, Admiral Sharp highlighted Pete’s integral role in founding NIP and serving as editor for the first newsletters/Quarterlies. Moreover, he emphasized how involved Pete had remained in the organization he helped start 40 years ago, attending nearly every NIP luncheon and virtual speaker event, and participating in practically every board meeting (as a Director Emeritus in his later years) until his passing. Those there were assured how much NIP valued Pete’s friendship and mentorship, and how much he will be missed — and how his impact will be felt for generations, reflected in all those he had coached, trained, befriended and mentored. He believed so strongly in connecting people. After Admiral Sharp spoke, several others got up and spoke heartfelt words about Pete, and it was perhaps his pastor’s final comments that captured the essence of Pete White when he remarked how Pete just wanted to make everyone around him better, and he lived that ethos his whole life. 

His son Dana, who lives on the west coast and was not in attendance, provided a more comprehensive summary of his dad’s life.

A memorial luncheon celebrated the life of Commander (Ret) Trentwell “Pete" White.

VADM Sharp talked about Pete’s strong involvement with NIP, showing them a copy of the first Newsletter, which Pete put together.

A table displayed photos of Pete, along with a copy of his biography. VADM Bob Sharp added a copy of the first Newsletter from 1985 along with a copy of the latest (Spring 2025) edition of the NIP READBOOK.

VADM Sharp speaking to Pete’s friends and family.

VADM Sharp and CAPT (Ret) Bob Allen talk with one of Pete’s friends from the church.

Pat White (center) sits with friends at the lunch.