Richard Paul White of Provincetown and Sarasota, Fla. died after a short illness on March 11, 2024 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital with his husband, David Scarbie Mitchell, by his side. “A lullaby announcing a birth began playing the moment he took his last breath,” David said. Richard was 81.
The son of Manuel and Mary (Rego) White, Richard was born on July 15, 1942 in Natick, where he grew up. “He was reserved as a child,” David said, “and always wanted to observe.” In high school, he worked at Stop & Shop and said he was “the best bag boy they ever hired.” He graduated from Natick High School in 1961.
Richard worked for Control Logic, becoming a supervisor in the production of computer chips in his early 20s. He claimed to have seven telephone lines flashing while the intercom bellowed, “Dick White, extension five!”
“That was not for Richard,” David said.
Richard’s fondest childhood memories were ferry trips to Provincetown with his Nana Rego, who lived next door and was like a mother to him. Richard thought they were sailing to Portugal on these trips. Years later, he told stories of the vendor carts, wharf trains, and the organ grinder’s monkey. He chose Provincetown as the place to build a life.
In the late 1960s, Richard bought the historic White Wind guesthouse on Commercial Street (now the Brasswood Inn). Passersby admired his acrobatics as he hung over the eaves to scrape and paint the building, one side per season.
After seven seasons, Richard sold the White Wind and bought the larger Trade Winds guesthouse, later the Carpe Diem and now the Ellery Hotel, on Johnson Street. For 27 years Richard and his partner, Kevin Monahan, grew the business, which become a gay destination. Guests would stay for weeks at a time when prices allowed for long stays.
Richard next managed the newly created Tea Dance on the deck overlooking Provincetown Harbor at the Boatslip Resort & Beach Club. He called himself “the man who watched the money,” standing on the sidelines observing guests, employees, and the cash registers. His friends noted how his dark good looks, fine physique, and short shorts intrigued many a fellow, making them wonder about the man in the corner. But true to character, David said, “Richard rarely socialized with the guests.”
After 11 years, Richard left the Boatslip and opened Binky’s Frozen Yogurt with Rob Hepler, his new mate. Binky’s became a gathering spot for artists and art lovers in the East End, especially during Friday night art strolls. The two men also took over Turner’s Ice Cream and Candy in Lopes Square, which they ran for nearly 10 years.
Richard met his spouse when David was vacationing in Provincetown in 1997. They enjoyed the seasonal lifestyle — Sarasota in the winter, Provincetown in the summer — and David, with his theater background, created the character of Scarbie, who became a Provincetown icon on a pink Schwinn and inspired a cabaret show that ran for 14 years.
Richard was a vital part of the act, standing outside on Commercial Street with Scarbie selling tickets. Richard operated the show’s spotlight like a surgeon, not just illuminating but practically creating a character out of light. After working a double shift from day job to show four nights a week, Richard would get into the passenger side of his big town car, lean back, and say, “Take me home.”
Richard was a natural mentor who guided many young people in their careers. Listening was his best skill, and assessing situations and offering insights came naturally to him. Many of his protégés would return to thank him for helping set their course.
Most recently, Richard worked at Twisted Pizza and Ice Cream on Commercial Street. He loved managing the ice cream counter, training newcomers, amusing coworkers with his silly dance moves, and welcoming each guest like an old friend.
In Sarasota, Richard loved taking care of his yard and the tropical gardens around his house. He had more time to socialize, go boating, and tinker with his classic cars, a lifelong hobby. He loved a good afternoon nap on his patio.
Richard is survived by his husband, David Mitchell, of Sarasota; brothers Lenny White of Mashpee and Dan White of Englewood, Fla.; nephews, nieces, and friends.
As Richard wanted, there will be no services or memorials. To honor his memory, donations can go to the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House Discretionary Fund, P.O. Box 817, Provincetown 02657.
