Obituary for Richard W Winiski
Richard W. Winiski, 78, of Willowick, passed away Feb. 24, 2024, at The Cleveland Clinic.
Born July 7, 1945, in Cleveland, he was raised in Mayfield Heights and had been a resident of Lake County since the 1970s.
Richard was a U.S. Army veteran, serving most of his time in Germany. He was an animal lover and was affectionately nicknamed the “Dog Whisperer.” Together with his wife, Marija, they had opened their home to dogs in need for more than 20 years, most recently for Dogs Unlimited Rescue and previously for Golden Treasures. Their home was known as “Camp Winiski.” Richard was known as a creator and problem solver, his pride and joy being his 1941 Mercury that he spent many weekends restoring. If something broke, he enjoyed finding a way to fix it as he loved a challenge. In his younger years, he was an avid boater and spent many hours on Lake Erie. He bought boats to fix up like others bought cars. His love of the water and Lake Erie sunsets never ended.
He was resilient and had experienced more than his share of hardships in his lifetime, facing them head on and never losing his sense of humor or beautiful smile. His love of his family was strong.
Mr. Winiski was retired from CEI/First Energy. He had also worked at Caterpillar in Mentor, Ericson Company in Willoughby and others.
Richard was the beloved husband of Marija I. (nee Valaitis) Winiski, whom he married July 1, 1995; loving father of Melissa Taylor; cherished grandfather of Chad Foster and Kallie Crane; great-grandfather of Maverick P. Foster, Lincoln W. Foster and Karolina L. Crane; dear brother of Allen B. (Paula) Winiski; son-in-law of Irena Valaitis; brother-in-law of Ed (Karen) Valaitis, Vaida Alemagno (fiancé, Ken), and Ruta (Randy) Greiner; and an uncle to many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Margaret (nee Henry) Winiski; and father-in-law, Algimantas Valaitis.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024, at The Abbey of Willoughby, 38011 Euclid Ave. (located on the grounds of McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home), in Willoughby, with a Celebration of Life service at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be 1:15 p.m. Monday, March 25, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville. (*Please meet at the gate by 12:45 p.m.)
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name are suggested to Dogs Unlimited Rescue at www.dogsunlimitedrescue.org.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.
Born July 7, 1945, in Cleveland, he was raised in Mayfield Heights and had been a resident of Lake County since the 1970s.
Richard was a U.S. Army veteran, serving most of his time in Germany. He was an animal lover and was affectionately nicknamed the “Dog Whisperer.” Together with his wife, Marija, they had opened their home to dogs in need for more than 20 years, most recently for Dogs Unlimited Rescue and previously for Golden Treasures. Their home was known as “Camp Winiski.” Richard was known as a creator and problem solver, his pride and joy being his 1941 Mercury that he spent many weekends restoring. If something broke, he enjoyed finding a way to fix it as he loved a challenge. In his younger years, he was an avid boater and spent many hours on Lake Erie. He bought boats to fix up like others bought cars. His love of the water and Lake Erie sunsets never ended.
He was resilient and had experienced more than his share of hardships in his lifetime, facing them head on and never losing his sense of humor or beautiful smile. His love of his family was strong.
Mr. Winiski was retired from CEI/First Energy. He had also worked at Caterpillar in Mentor, Ericson Company in Willoughby and others.
Richard was the beloved husband of Marija I. (nee Valaitis) Winiski, whom he married July 1, 1995; loving father of Melissa Taylor; cherished grandfather of Chad Foster and Kallie Crane; great-grandfather of Maverick P. Foster, Lincoln W. Foster and Karolina L. Crane; dear brother of Allen B. (Paula) Winiski; son-in-law of Irena Valaitis; brother-in-law of Ed (Karen) Valaitis, Vaida Alemagno (fiancé, Ken), and Ruta (Randy) Greiner; and an uncle to many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Margaret (nee Henry) Winiski; and father-in-law, Algimantas Valaitis.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024, at The Abbey of Willoughby, 38011 Euclid Ave. (located on the grounds of McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home), in Willoughby, with a Celebration of Life service at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be 1:15 p.m. Monday, March 25, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville. (*Please meet at the gate by 12:45 p.m.)
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name are suggested to Dogs Unlimited Rescue at www.dogsunlimitedrescue.org.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.