Paul B. Whitehead, 75, of Rochester passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 18 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a period of declining health. He was surrounded by his loving family. Paul was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years Suzanne M. (Zajac) Whitehead.
Paul was born and raised in New Bedford, and was the son of the late Franklin G. and Katherine A. (O’Connor) Whitehead. Growing up, he was fortunate enough to spend his summers in Fairhaven at his family’s beach cottage where he made wonderful memories with his sister, Joan and brother, Jim. It was here that Paul developed a love of boats and fishing, two passions that followed him into adulthood.
Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam War as a radar operator. He retired from Napa Auto Parts in Acushnet after working there for many years.
He was a proud and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He doted on his only grandchild, Lachlan, and always had a huge smile on his face when they were together. Paul and Lachlan enjoyed watching the History Channel and taking naps together. One of their projects included constructing an elaborate slot car racing track. Paul enjoyed sharing this experience with Lachlan because it was one of his own childhood hobbies.
There was nothing Paul couldn’t build or fix. He was a self-taught woodworker, mechanic, and electrician. During his lifetime he crafted many amazing things including fishing rods, gun stocks, an intricate chess board, a model sailboat (for which his loving wife sewed the sails), and even remarkable kitchen cabinets for his home. One of his most spectacular automotive feats was performing a complete engine replacement on his daughter’s car in their backyard.
Paul was a firearms enthusiast and a member of the Sippican Rod and Gun Club in Rochester, where he served as the treasurer for several years. He enjoyed the camaraderie the club offered as well as its delicious breakfasts.
Paul’s other interests included history, listening to “oldies,” online shopping (you never knew what might show up on the doorstep), having heated political debates, and trying out new recipes.
Survivors include his wife, Suzanne; a daughter, Stephanie Cyr and her husband Tyler of Lakeville; a sister, Joan Pepin and her husband David of Rochester; a brother, James Whitehead and his wife Joanne of New Bedford; a grandson, Lachlan Cyr, and 8 nieces and nephews.
Paul’s family would like to thank the amazing dialysis technicians at Hawthorne Medical who became like family to him as well as the caring doctors and nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital who took care of him for the last six months.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 26th at 9 AM in St. Rose of Lima Church, 282 Vaughan Hill Rd., Rochester. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
