"Along with Hardy Williams, I think that John White Sr. has to be regarded as the father of black politics in this city," said former mayor W. Wilson Goode. "He is probably the most underrated person over the last 30 years, in terms of contributions he made to black political empowerment."
Less than 24 hours before his death, Mr. White had accompanied his son as he endorsed Sam Katz, the Republican candidate for mayor, over John F. Street, who defeated John White Jr. in the primary.
Street joined scores of politicians in mourning Mr. White's death.
"Anyone who came of age in the city of Philadelphia over the last generation knew him as a pioneer in fighting to open the doors of opportunities to all our citizens," Street said.
Mr. White's last 24 hours were a mirror of his life - a strong mix of politics, civic activism and religion.
After the White-Katz news conference in Center City, Mr. White went on that night to chair a board meeting of the Lincoln Day Nursery in South Philadelphia. "They had just received a grant for expanded day care through his leadership," said David Brown, a spokesman for John White Jr.
Yesterday morning, Mr. White, a devout Baptist, started the day with his daily ritual of meditation on his patio, which overlooks Fairmount Park. It was there that his wife, Patricia Washington, found his body, Brown said.
Mayor Rendell was among the many who praised Mr. White.
"The term great man is overused in our society, but John White Sr. was a great man," the mayor said. "He had an incredible work ethic. He was an inspiration."
Mr. White was imposing: tall, full-chested, with a snow-white head of hair and a "commanding speaking voice," as his friend, former State Sen. Hardy Williams, put it.
"I remember when you'd tell John something he didn't want to hear," recalled Rendell. "He could be a frightening person, with that big, booming voice. It was like hearing the voice of God."
