Obituary of William John Winters

William J. “Bill” Winters, age 84, of Washington, New Jersey, passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and cherished companion of over 25 years, Betty VanNess. Born on September 14, 1938, in Jersey City, NJ to Frederick and Catherine (nee Mulligan) Winters.

Though Bill spent his early years stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, he chose to make his life in Washington, New Jersey, marrying Vicki-Ann and raising two sons, Little Bill and Paul. He spent many years working at Elastimold, retiring in 2003, but he was also a familiar face around town enjoying family meals at the Washington Diner and bartending at the Mountain Lake Casino. 

He will be remembered foremost for his devotion to his family, as Dad, Brother, Papa, and Uncle Bill, his strength of spirit and sense of humor, and his lifelong dedication and generosity to the Catholic Church.

William is survived by his cherished companion, Betty VanNess; his cherished son William M. Winters; his dear brother, Frederick P. Winters (Joan); Betty’s granddaughter,  Stephanie Priber (Jake); great-grandchildren, who were his world, Billy, Betty, Stella, and Cora; and cherished nieces, Anne Carol Winters, Donna Stempien, Kathleen Stempien Kaufman, Lisa Winters Hanlon; cherished nephews, Joseph Stempien, Gary Stempien, Wayne Stempien, Peter Winters, and Brian Winters; Rosemarie’s husband John Hissim; Betty’s son, Robert VanNess Jr. (Tracy) and son Robert VanNess III and many cherished neighbors and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Frederick and Catherine (nee Mulligan) Winters; grandmother, Catherine (nee Brennan) Mulligan; cherished wife, Vicki-Ann (Johnston) Winters; son, Paul-Victor Winters; sisters, Veronica Winters Stempien (Joseph) and Barbara Winters; Betty’s daughter, Rosemarie Hissim; nephews, William J. Stempien and Mark Stempien.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Bill’s Family on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from11:00 am until 1:00 pm with a catholic prayer service at 1:00 pm at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Ave, Washington NJ 07882. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Washington. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.knolldevoefh.com