William “Rudy” Winters Jr, born April 21, 1958, beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on October 14, 2025, at the age of 67.

He is survived by his mother, Marie (Pisanelli) Winters, daughters, Jennifer (Winters) Lampert, Danielle Winters, and Nicole Winters. His brother, Wallace Winters, his sister, April Winters, grandchildren, Tyler Winters, Mackenzie Bradham, Allison Bradham, Mitchell Bradham, Jackson Mitchell, Ariana Robles, and Sienna Lampert. His former wife, Patricia Winters, long-time girlfriend, Camille Schiavone, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his father, William “Rudy” Winters Sr, his sister, Dawn Winters, and daughter Stephanie (Winters) Bradham.

Born in Peekskill, NY, and raised in Montrose, NY, Rudy was a gifted athlete and lover of all sports from a young age. Much of that talent and passion was nurtured at home- his father, Rudy Sr, dedicated nearly all his free time to coaching and practicing with him and his brother, Wally.

Rudy loved hockey, football, bowling and shooting pool, but baseball was at the heart of his passion for sports. Joining little league at the age of 8, he went on to play Junior Varsity and Varsity Baseball through 12th grade at Hendrick Hudson High School, in pursuit of a career in professional baseball. His talent and left-handed pitch led him to the Minor League Baseball Dodgers tryouts in Staten Island, NY, where the scout told his father, “You’ve got one hell of an athlete here, exceptional arm, throwing everyone out on one hop! Only problem may be that they go for size”. For those that knew him, stocky and standing at just 5’8, his charm and comedic spirit was larger than life.

His pursuit of a professional baseball career took a backseat when he became a father in 1977 at the young age of 19 to his first-born daughter, Danielle, and again at age 20 to Stephanie, with his high school sweetheart, Karen Cheney-Hakala.

In 1985 Rudy began his career with the Peekskill City School District as a custodial worker, where he later retired. He was well known for his on-the-job sense of humor, his work ethic, reliability, and the great level of pride he took in a job well done. To those who worked alongside him, he was more than just a colleague, he was a cherished friend. Though he worked behind the scenes, his presence and contributions were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rudy then married Patricia on November 23, 1985, in Peekskill, NY. They welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer, in May of 1986, and their second, Nicole, in January 1995.

His life outside of work was one of simple joys for many years. Weekends with his daughters, visits to the grandparents’ house, trips to the park and playground, barbie car obstacle courses, soccer games, playing catch, T-Ball, and golf in the backyard with his girls and their grandfather. Rudy never missed an opportunity to express how proud he was of his daughters, to them or to a perfect stranger. He was a fierce protector, a constant source of support, encouragement, fun-loving entertainment and endless laughs. His adoration for his girls, and theirs for him, was evident in every moment they shared.

He was a father but was also a son who was especially close to his mother, Marie. The love he gave was large in part due to the unconditional love he received from her throughout his entire life. Their bond was unbreakable, built on a foundation of mutual respect, devotion, and shared memories.

Though Rudy faced struggles that were often unseen, his legacy of unwavering love, dedication, talent, humor, and ability to make an acquaintance feel like a brother, will forever be remembered. He may not have been able to overcome every battle, but he fought with everything he had. His love will continue to inspire and live on in all of us. His life reminds us that even in the face of struggle and adversity, the love we give and the strength we show for those we love, truly does make all the difference.

Dad,

Thank you for every late-night phone call. Thank you for every apology, even when you didn’t know what you were apologizing for. Thank you for listening when you wanted to talk. Thank you for every laugh that truly did turn my tears into laughter. Thank you for every reminder to lock my doors, close my blinds, look over my shoulder, and stay out of the ocean because of sharks. Thank you for being unequivocally on my team. Thank you for all that you were, even when you felt you weren’t. Thank you. You were loved more than you ever knew. You will be missed more than words can express. Rest in peace, laugh in peace. We love you “So much and too much.”

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/william-winters-jr/obituary/

Copy