John Hazen White Sr., 87, chairman of Taco Inc., died March 28 in Cranston, R.I.

John Hazen White Sr.,87, chairman of Taco Inc., died March 28 in Cranston, R.I. White guided Taco through many product innovations and developments, propelling the company to become a world-class manufacturer of hydronic pumps and related equipment for residential and commercial applications. He started the Taco Learning Center in 1992, which provides on-site, free education for all Taco employees and offers more than 100 courses from accounting to the arts. A philanthropist and arts lover, he gave millions of dollars to universities and cultural institutions. His son, John Hazen White Jr., Taco's president and chief executive officer, succeeds White in the family business. In addition to his son, his wife, four daughters, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive him.