William A. "Bill" Whitehead

William A. Whitehead, 80, of Portsmouth died Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at his home. William was born January 12, 1937 in Jamestown, RI, the son of the late William Morley Whitehead and Dorothy (DeVere) Whitehead. He was the husband of Anna (Dennis) Whitehead. Bill and his wife Anna lived for 30 years in the Fifth Ward, on Simmons Street. He retired from the City of Newport after a 28 year career in the Public Works Department. He was a mechanic who helped maintain the Citys police and fire equipment, snow plows and maintenance vehicles. In his free time, he enjoyed drawing and painting. His artistic talents were shared with hand drawn cards to family members, as well as murals painted for the former Assembly of God in Newport, and in his childrens and grandchildrens rooms. Bill also enjoyed a good practical joke, often catching friends and family surprise with his tricks.He is survived by his wife Anna (Dennis) Whitehead, two daughters: Susan Martens of Portsmouth and Colleen Russell of Newport, one son William J. Whitehead of Portsmouth, and one brother: Frank Morley Whitehead of Connecticut. He also has four grandchildren, Joel Martens, Adam Martens, Kara Martens, and Kyla Russell, and two great-grandchildren Abigail Martens and Benjamin Martens.Services will be private.Memorials donations may be made to Alzheimers Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906