Qualcomm co-founder Harvey White loved his work, his family, his Padres and his hometown

During his more than 50 years in San Diego, Harvey P. White left a distinct impression on the city and on the people he met.

Standing 6 feet, 7 inches, he could be intimidating and even stern at times. But family, friends and colleagues also describe the self-made business titan — who made his home in Del Mar with his wife, Sheryl White — as a gregarious and modest man, a caring and involved father, a devoted husband, generous and cultured philanthropist, superb businessman and mentor and passionate San Diego Padres fan.

White was one of the seven co-founders of the San Diego-based semiconductor firm Qualcomm in 1985, and in 1999 he cofounded the telecommunications firm Leap Wireless (which was acquired by AT&T in 2014). After retiring, White also became one of the city’s leading art patrons, particularly for The Old Globe and the San Diego Museum of Art.

White was 90 years old when he passed away on Dec. 18, following a year of declining health. White’s family, friends and colleagues held private memorial services for him last month and didn’t announce his passing until last week. But in interviews on Thursday and Friday, they were effusive in describing the man he was and the legacy he leaves behind.

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