Donald James Whyte, age 79, of the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, died April 14, 2025. Donald was born on June 4, 1945 in Philadelphia to Clarence Whyte Jr and Alice C. Whyte née Sims. He is survived by his sister Yerva Lauderdale, his nieces and nephews Mary Lauderdale (Warren) Crystal Lauderdale (John) Harry Lauderdale III (Janice) , Cherie Lauderdale, Gina Hudson (Alex),Jenevieve Whyte. Marla Harris, Clifton Whyte (Crystal), nephew -in- law Raymond Gibson, and a host of great nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Alice Whyte, his sister Norita Harris, his brother Clarence III, his niece Celeste L Gibson, his nephews Anthony Lauderdale and R Coleman.
Donald enjoyed cooking and gardening. He collected antiques and was an avid reader. He also loved to collect elephant figurines and loved model trains. His favorite sports teams were the Eagles and the 76ers. Don loved spending time with his friends at the shore and looked forward to spending time in Brigantine each summer. His passion however was music. Donald attended St. Catherine of Sienna grade school and Cardinal Dougherty High School where he was the school’s band leader. Don was a graduate of Temple University.
In the mid sixties Donald played the French horn for the Eagles Marching Band. He also played an extra in the film “ Night of the Living Dead” in 1968. Through the 70s he arranged and directed music for Lasalle’s marching band. He arranged and directed music for other local high school and grade school shows at this time.
Through the 80s and early 90s he was the musical arranger and director for Cardinal Dougherty’s broadway show productions such as “ Guys and Dolls.” Donald was musical director and arranger for productions at the Keswick Theatre during this time as well.
Don performed his own ragtime compositions for private audiences. He directed the choirs at St Catherine’s, St Vincent’s and Immaculate Conception at various times over the years.
Don loved mentoring young musicians some who he met through his good friends Larry and Mike. Donald was a major part of the Germantown music scene. He was also known to be the life of the party among his friends.
As a social worker Donald worked for the North Western Mental Health Center in the 70s and for PCA (Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging) through the 90’s until his retirement in 2015.
Don was devoted to his mother Alice and his sister Yerva both whom he cared for in their senior years. Uncle Donnie was thought of as the fun uncle to his family and we looked forward to the meals he’d make and stories he’d tell. Each Christmas he would host a dinner one night during the holidays for just the women and girls in the family where he would show off his culinary skills. His gumbo was legendary. Don loved the holidays and the house was always beautifullydecorated for Christmas. On Sunday afternoons people passing by his home would be treated to Don’s piano playing.
Relatives and friends are invited to Donald’s viewing at 11 am and funeral mass at 12 noon on Tuesday April 22nd at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church 109 East Price Street in Germantown.