Name: Calling hours for Dr. PAUL FREDERICK WHITEHEAD
Start: 2017-08-28T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-08-28T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Hawley Lincoln Memorial Funeral Service - New Haven

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Paul Frederick Whitehead, 63, on August 24, 2017 at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, CT. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on January 30, 1954, son of the late Victor Orrison Whitehead & Louise Nawroth. He grew up in Howard Beach NY; graduated from Stuyvesant HS, attended University of Pennsylvania where he received his AB cum laude with distinction in anthropology; he also received his Ph.D in Biology, Masters in Philosophy & Science (Dept. of Biology) from Yale University. Paul had extensive teaching experience; he was a professor at Capital Community College from 1994-present; he taught summer classes at Yale from 2002-2012 in Principles of Evolution, Ecology & Behavior. Paul was an adventure, he did field research in Ethiopia where he found part of the famous "Bodo" skull. He continued his avid research interests in Vervet locomotion in Kenya where he was attacked by a crocodile but survived to meet his wife of 29 years, Narinder Whitehead. He has continued his research on Vervet Monkeys for over 35 years. His publications include Old World Monkeys and the Photographic Atlas of Human Anatomy. He had a great love for nature, especially animals in the wild; he loved Opera, Baroque & Rock music. Paul lived with a zest, loved life & really battled cancer for one year, hoping to come home to continue his work. Beside his wife survivors include sister-in-laws: Davinder Kaur Hunjan, Paramjeet Ubhi, Jagjeet Ubhi, & Gursharan Ubhi; brother-in-laws: Akbal Singh, Hunjan, Davinder Singh Ubhi in Nairobi Kenya & the late Kuldip Singh Ubhi; nieces Pretti, Pavan & Mandy; a nephew Vikaran Ubhi & many caring relatives in Kenya. Paul will be missed dearly by his loyal & dedicated friends (brothers) Roger Manny & Nat Cipollina. A very important person with a generous heart & soul has been taken from us; we mourn his departure at such a young age. We are grateful for the love, compassion & support given to us by the Smilow Oncology team. Paul will always be our shining star, may he rest in eternal peace. " For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one" Funeral Services will be held in Christ Church, 84 Broadway, New Haven, on Tuesday August 29, at 10:00 am. Interment in Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery, Middle Village NY. Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 pm at Hawley Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 493 Whitney Ave. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Vervet Fund- Giraffe Ranch, payable to Narinder K. Whitehead, 10 Vista Terrace, New Haven, CT 06515. To sign the online guest book, please visit: www.hawleylincolnmemorial.com.

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Published by The New Haven Register from Aug. 26 to Aug. 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for PAUL WHITEHEAD

Sponsored by NHRegister.com.

12 Entries

Toni Wood

August 20, 2025

Professor Whitehead, my mentor and supporter. All that you taught me which I utilize in my teachings of my staff and our talks I will always cherish. I think of you every day and speak of you often. I hope you are smiling down upon me, seeing all that I have accomplished. I draw on your strength and determination now as I am dealing with a work-related injuries. Miss you beyond words. Until we meet again my friend, my mentor.

Patricia Guadagnoli-Sormanti

March 28, 2019

I knew professor Whitehead from anatomy and physiology class. I always enjoyed his classes, I could tell he was a brilliant man but at the same time very caring, honest and genuine. He always told us stories about his time in Kenya, India, and others. He always connected the subjects being taught to something that happened to him, making the class personal and easy to follow. I am grateful for have met this beautiful soul. My condolences to the family.

Brenda Benefit

April 30, 2018

Narinder, I remember well when you and Paul met in Kenya. Yours was a true love story. I also visited Paul in the hospital when he was recovering from his crocodile bites. Paul was a wonderful colleague and researcher. Monte and I used his Atlas in our biological anthropology classes since it was first published and will always keep a copy of it. It is an important contribution. I am sorry that I did not learn of his death until the physical anthropology meetings this year, or I would have contacted you sooner. Paul will always be remembered. All the best to you.

NARINDER Whitehead

February 2, 2018

My darling Paul, I wish you a very Happy Birthday.
Your wife Narinder misses you everyday.

Bryce Little

December 21, 2017

I knew Paul in our first year as Ph. D. students at Penn in 1977-78. Although we lost touch when he moved to Yale and I stayed on to finish at Penn, I have always treasured the memory of his humor, compassion, and intellect. We were very good friends, with our mutual friend John Bleh. I loved his story of how he made the Bodo discovery, and have told it many times to my high school students in Human Evolution over the years. My heartfelt condolences to his family. I am so glad that I knew him!!

October 28, 2017

My contact with Paul was brief this year, but it was quickly apparent that he and his wife Narinder are very special people. My heartfelt condolences.

Mark Ferron

Donald Jacobson

October 23, 2017

He was my professor in an Anatomy & Physiology class, he was an exceptional and knowledgeable human being that really cared for mankind, and all living things. He will be missed.

Glen Middleton

September 3, 2017

I had the pleasure of spending time with Paul in Kenya in 1981. He was a great friend and we had more than our share of adventures which I treasure the memories of to this day. I regret that I never had the chance to reconnect with Paul and was looking for his contact info when I learned of his passing. Paul's personality and outlook on life were infectious and we shared a great friendship for the brief time that we knew each other in Kenya. I was blessed to have known him. The man certainly knew how to put a Land Rover through its paces.

Ray M

August 30, 2017

Very sorry for your lost. He was a tough but fair teacher and passionate about his subject. Enjoyed his classes and he will always be in my meomries. Ray M. Rn

Altrice willocks

August 29, 2017

Truly in shock and deep sadness, he was a remaekable professor one of the best one I ever had. I know he's resting pain free heaven gain an Angel. RIP Mr Whitehead

Toni Wood RN, BSN

August 27, 2017

Heaven gained another angel. My condolences to Mrs. Whitehead, his family and friends. I am in shock, Professor Whitehead was by far the best professor I ever had. He gave me the courage, strength and support to never give up, striving to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. Recently I applied and was accepted into my masters program I knew he would like to know and was planning to go to Capital Community College to show him my acceptance letter but know he will see it from Heaven. He will be with each and every one of us, spreading his enormous Angel wings around us all. R.I.P. Professor Whitehead Fly high and pain free my friend.

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