George Winkler III, of Wantagh, New York, was called home to God on November 30, 2021 at the age of 86. He died peacefully, surrounded by family, and a wonderful care team at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He is survived by his loving spouse of 59 years, Maura Meehan Winkler, and three of his children: Maureen (John) Belger, James (Kerstin) Winkler, and John (Marta) “Teddy” Winkler. He was predeceased by his eldest child, George Peter Winkler (2019). He enjoyed his time with his seven grandchildren: Matthew Winkler, Brigid Belger, Ryan Winkler, Deirdre Belger, Erin Belger, George Winkler, and Annie Winkler. George was born on April 2, 1935, the only son of George Winkler Junior and Madeline Winkler. As a child, George enjoyed his time with his four sisters: Barbara (Robert) Sposato, Joan (Richard) Benatti, Patricia (Richard) Browne, and Mickie (Samuel) Crimone, all of whom survive his passing. He spent his early years in Far Rockaway, Queens, where his family ran John Winkler Sons Moving & Storage. The family moved to Rockville Centre in 1940, New York, and joined Sun & Surf Beach Club in 1955, a membership George and his family have long enjoyed.

In 1953, George enrolled as a student at the University of Notre Dame, where he participated in the Bengal Bouts boxing tournament, joined the Knights of Columbus, and became an active member of the University’s Glee Club. George proudly graduated from Notre Dame in 1957, beginning a love affair with the Fighting Irish that undoubtedly continues in heaven! George and Maura were wed on November 17, 1962 at St. Joseph Church in Garden City, New York. The couple soon settled in Wantagh, New York, where they would go on to raise their 4 children while becoming active members in the parish community of St. Frances de Chantal Church. Among the many areas of involvement for George were the Holy Name Society, the St. Frances Liturgy Committee, St. Frances CCD and Confirmation preparation, service as a Eucharistic Minister, and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight 2008-2009. The Winkler family was also quite active in Cub Scout Pack 193. George was the Cubmaster for more than a decade, with all 3 of his sons as Scouts. Maura and Maureen often joined in the activities, allowing the family to spend time together. George earned a 23-year service star as a leader and volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America, a remarkable commitment to serving others. After completing his career at both Winklers Moving & Storage and as a representative for The Equitable Life Assurance Company, George focused his energy on time with his grandchildren (especially at Sun & Surf), playing golf, tending to his flowers and plants, watching any and all Notre Dame sporting events, playing cards with friends, and helping to make St. Frances a growing faith community. Lastly, he was particularly fond of this time of year, as he would decorate every inch of their Wantagh home for Christmas.

Donations may be made in his memory to the: Notre Dame Glee Club e-mail: gleeclub@nd.edu If you’d like to learn of the many ways you can donate to the club, please call director Daniel Stowe at 574-631-9457. You may also reach out to our alumni liaisons Rudy Reyes Jr. at 574.631.0694 or A. Stephen Smith at 574.631.2956 to discuss a contribution. or Knights of Columbus Council 6526 St. Frances de Chantal Council Phone: (516) 826-7492 Mail: Knights of Columbus Council 6526, 1869 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793 Or send us an e-mail! Grand Knight gk@kofc6526.org