Arthur Vincent “Vinnie” Whitehead 73, Beloved Family Man, Coach, and Youth Pastor

Vinnie Whitehead , 73, of Atlantic Highlands, NJ , went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 3rd, 2026 after a swift battle with esophageal cancer. 

Vinnie was a devoted husband, father, and family man , a passionate mentor to countless students and youth. 

He was born on December 3, 1952 in Anchorage, Alaska, to Arthur and Anna Whitehead. He earned his degree in Health and Physical Education from Brookdale and Furman University where he was part of their baseball programs, and went on to teach and coach at Henry Hudson Regional School for 44 passionate years.  

Coach impacted multiple generations of students with his unwavering integrity, and commitment to making everyone the best they could be- on and off the field and classroom.  Vinnie coached cross country, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, and field hockey at Hudson, Brookdale’s basketball program, and countless AAU and travel teams, camps, and recreation- creating lasting bonds with his students and players that have turned into family. 

Vinnie was a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and a driving passion  for local and international missions work. He spent many years helping communities in need through his church and organizations like Fellowship Of Christian Athletes, which allowed him to share his faith and sports knowledge around the globe. He has enjoyed decades of service as an Elder and Youth Pastor at Calvary Chapel Crossfields in Jamesburg, Nj. 

In his personal time, Coach loved to read,  was an avid fan of college basketball (especially March Madness) and the New York Yankees. He loved spending time with his family, always cracking a joke or up to a prank. It was rare to see him without a smile. There was none more silly than Coach. There was no one more loyal, trustworthy, and devoted as a husband, father, mentor, or friend. 

Vinnie  is survived by his dedicated wife Maria of 45 years,his daughter Ashley, his brother Cliff and his wife Marybeth with their sons Jonathan, Gabriel, Joshua, and Caleb. His sister Carolyn and her children Michael and Emily. His brother- in-law Vinny and his wife Barbara and their children Chrissy and Jimmy. His bother-in-law Joey and wife Tina and their children Joey, Michael, David, and Maria; with many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Arthur and Anna Whitehead. 

A celebration of Coach’s life will be held at Posten McGinley Funeral Home,  59 E Lincoln Avenue Atlantic Highlands NJ 07716. Friends and Family will be received at the Funeral Home on Tuesday January 6th from 4 to 7pm for visitation and on Wednesday, January 7th, Chapel Service at 10am. Graveside Commital at Monmouth Memorial Park to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes New Jersey 

https://www.fcanj.org/donate