Lewis Martin White

Lewis was born to Esther and Benjamin White in 1929 in San Francisco, California. He was the youngest of 6 children. His mother and grandmother were also born in San Francisco, making him a 4th generation San Franciscan (at least). Lewis attended Polytechnic High School and San Francisco State University, where he studied Biology. He took time out from his studies to serve in the Korean War in 1951-52.

Lewis grew up before television, computers, refrigerators, and a lot of other innovations that we take for granted today. He started working part-time as a teenager to earn spending money, and had a diversity of jobs, including newspaper carrier, ticket taker at Sutro Baths, pin setter at a bowling alley, and a deck-hand on the laundry boat that served Alcatraz. While studying at SF State, he worked nights as a pressman at Stecher-Traung Lithography. This building still stands on the right side of the western approach to the Bay Bridge.

In 1958, Lewis married Robin Spielbauer, whom he met at SF State, and they had 3 children, Benjamin, Daniel, and Ramona. They were married for 60 years. He taught high school (various subjects) at Jefferson High School, and later Thornton High School, from 1959 to 1989. In retirement, Lewis and Robin traveled throughout the United States and Europe. Lewis liked skiing, golf, chess, and in later life, visiting the casino.

Lewis was preceded in death by his beloved wife Robin, and his dear son Daniel.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, August 15, 10:00am to 12:00pm at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. Come at anytime during these hours; military honors will be given at noon.

Donations in memory of Lewis may be made to Peninsula Symphony Orchestra, CALL Primrose, KQED, or the charity of your choice.