John Lester Whitehead Jr., age 93
John Lester Whitehead Jr., age 93, of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully from natural causes on June 16, 2026. Born to John and Juliette Whitehead, John spent nearly his entire life on Massachusetts' South Coast. He attended Parting Ways Grammar school and graduated from New Bedford High School before completing an electronics training program at Rhode Island Radio & Electronics school. He proudly served his country as an active-duty member of the United States Army during the Korean war stateside. He continued his career as a civilian electronics technician with the United States Coast Guard in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. He supported Coast Guard operations from Race Point in Provincetown to Point Judith, Rhode Island and worked at Butler Flats Lighthouse in the New Bedford Harbor.
John was deeply devoted to his beloved wife, Jean (Medeiros) Whitehead. John and Jean were high school sweethearts who met at a Saturday night dance in Jean's family basement. Her father had transformed the basement into a neighborhood dance hall, complete with hand-painted murals of young couples dancing in poodle skirts. Together, they lovingly raised their son, Stephen "Stevie" Whitehead, who lived with Down syndrome and autism and required lifelong care. John and Jean dedicated their lives to ensuring Stevie was surrounded by love, dignity, and unwavering support.
John's quiet strength, patience, and selfless devotion as both a father and caregiver defined his life. He loved spending time in nature with his family and took biannual car trips to places such as Vermont, Maine, Western Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Those who knew John remember him as exceptionally intelligent, insightful, calm, humorous, kind and passionate about staying on top of current events. He was a philanthropist, donating his house as a resident living facility for adults with special needs. He possessed an extraordinary memory, never forgetting the important details of the lives of those he loved, even into his final days.
John believed in living simply, yet always took pride in his appearance, dressing “sharp” even if he was only meeting family for coffee. He was an avid walker, walking a mile daily up until a few weeks before he passed. He was mindful of his health and would rather go hungry than eat processed meat—and rarely ate more than a tablespoon of a sugary dessert. He continued driving until the age of 92 and never missed a beat with new technology. He enjoyed texting with family and proudly kept photos of Jean as his iPhone screensaver. He frequently expressed heartfelt gratitude for the love, support, and companionship of his brother James and his nephew Jimmy. He cherished visits with his sister, Judy, who always made sure the siblings got together regardless of the distance and never missed celebrating his birthday. He cherished his lifelong friend Sandy Holmes of Marion, MA, who provided decades of advocacy for Stevie.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean (Medeiros) Whitehead; his cherished son, Stephen J. "Stevie" Whitehead; and his parents, John L. "Les" Whitehead and Juliette Whitehead. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Judith "Judy" Galligan of Manchester, Connecticut; his brother, James “Jim” Whitehead of Acushnet, Massachusetts; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
John was buried with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife and son. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society, 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 350, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, in honor of John, Jean, and Stevie Whitehead.
