Obituary of Michael A Whitehead

Michael Whitehead, 70, of Manchester NJ, passed away on November 8, 2024, after a courageous and hard fought 2 1/2 year battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. These degenerative brain conditions presented without notice, moved swiftly, and ultimately took him away from us too soon. It has been a sad journey for our family, but we are comforted that he is at peace, free from the horrible suffering, and is reunited with our beloved son, Ryan, in the heavens.

Mike was a former longtime resident of Oakland NJ, and he was raised in Fair Lawn NJ. He was a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College and Newark College of engineering (presently NJIT) with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

He began his career with Schiavone Construction Co., and later became president of Paving Materials and Construction in Roselle NJ. In 2013, he moved on to create Paving Materials and Contracting in Montville NJ.

Mike was also a former president of the Ramapo Wildcats soccer club, as well as a respected coach for many of the club and Oakland Recreation soccer teams.

Mike was usually busy with a project around the house. He always strived to accomplish something every day, and he truly did. He was a diehard Mets and Jets fan. Our cabin at Trout Lake in the Adirondacks was his favorite place on earth to be.

He is the son of Margaret, 98, living in Pompton Plains NJ, and the late Bert Whitehead. In addition to his loving wife of 51 years, Kathy, he is survived by his son, Craig Whitehead of Toms River NJ, daughter Lindsay Gurnari (son-in-law Tim) of Byram NJ, and adored granddaughters, Ellie and Rylie. He also leaves behind a sister, Denise Jenkins of Providence RI, and is predeceased by a son, Ryan, and a brother, Robert.

He will be remembered as a man of integrity, a problem solver, a ‘fixer’ of anything, and a man of many skills and talents. But most importantly, he will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, pa-pa, and ‘family man’ to us all…our hearts are broken.

Visitation will be held at Oakland Memorial Home on Friday, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held at the Franklin Lakes United Methodist Church (454 Pulis Avenue, Franklin Lakes NJ) on Saturday at 10am; burial to follow at Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah NJ.

*Everyone please meet at Church*

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.LBDA.org.