January 01, 1970
Joseph E. Winkler
With his devoted children at his side, Joseph Winkler peacefully entered his eternal rest on the afternoon of June 4, 2022.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 20, 1940 to the late Joseph and Barbara Winkler, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Eileen (Matthews). Loving father to Karen (William) Wainwright, Kristine (Donald) Remas, Amy (Keith) Knaus, Sue (Paul) Solinski, Joe (Denise) Winkler, Jennifer (Michael) Horan and David (Amy) Winkler. Mentor, friend, and grandfather to Emily (Michael) Drotar, Benjamin (Veronica) Wainwright, Abigail Wainwright, Joseph Remas, Elizabeth (Matt) Manning, Amanda (DJ) Peluso, Sarah (Jeff) Collage, Holly Knaus (fiancé – Peter), Matthew Knaus, Joseph, Jacob and Olivia Winkler, Nathaniel and Connor Horan, Greta, Alana and David Winkler. Great-Grandfather to Eileen, William and Phillip Drotar, Grant and Adalyn Wainwright, Reid Manning, Stella, Luca and Pearl Jo Peluso, and Heath Collage. Brother to the late Dolores (Walter) Ebbert, the late Barbara Fischer and Juanita (Ronald) Fischer. Brother-in-law to Linda (Sam) Prepelka. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and life-long friends.
Joe grew up in West View, graduated from North Catholic High School, and in 1958 followed his father into the retail grocery industry. He began his forty-year grocery career with Kroger as an apprentice meat-cutter. This position eventually led to executive management as Joe achieved positions of increasing responsibility and ultimately retired from Giant Eagle, Inc. as Vice President / General Manager of the Meat, Deli and Bakery lines of business. Joe never had a bad day while working at the Giant Eagle – Butler Refrigerated Meats (BRM) division and considered the BRM Team an extension of his family.
In 1959, Joe married his high school sweetheart Eileen Matthews and enjoyed 52 years of marriage prior to her untimely death in 2011 from breast cancer. Joe enjoyed spending time in Pittsburgh and at his beach home in Ponce Inlet, Florida – where he had many friends. Spending time with family was always the number one priority and enjoyment in Joe’s life. Over the years, the camping trips, beach vacations, holiday gatherings, family parties and Disney visits created many memorable and humorous stories that will never be forgotten. Joe was a tremendous positive influence on his family and with everyone he met. His quick wit and warm smile, put everyone at ease in his presence. His legacy will live on in his family and many memories will be cherished.
Joe will be remembered as being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-pap, brother, uncle and friend. A devout Catholic, Joe was an active parishioner of St. Matthew Parish – Holy Spirit Church; having served many roles including Eucharistic minister, usher, basketball coach, and as a member of the finance board.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 7th 6-8 p.m.and Wednesday, June 8th 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home 806 Perry Highway North Hills. Mass of a Christian Burial will be Thursday June 9th at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Parish, Holy Spirit Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation in Joe’s name the following: the Shaler Hampton Area EMS to whom the family is grateful for their above and beyond efforts for Joe. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – their research helped Joe conquer Lymphoma or St. Matthew Parish – Holy Spirit Church. To share a memory of Joe, or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.Devlinfuneralhome.com
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. We feel so lucky that Joe was a part of the Giant Eagle family and became a good friend to us.
Our deepest sympathy to his family, he will be missed, but not forgotten.
I am shocked and sad to hear of Joe’s passing now. There was never anyone better boss than you! Many prayers and hugs to the entire Winkler family!
To all the Winkler families I met your mom & dad early on my referring career & instantly got your dad’s ribbing & humor your mom & dad always were so proud of introducing their children grandchildren etc. I don’t know all the family but I certainly feel like I do. Your parents were a great example for each of you & I’m certainly proud to have known them and each of you. Of course each of you have “a connection “ & if every needed please ask Many prayers headed to your families in this difficult time. Bunny
Joe,
Remember the good times on the board? I will never forget. Also all the phone calls. You will always be my special friend.
Jim & Mary Lou
He was a great guy and friend and he will be missed We send our most sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.
Joe loved the titles of Husband, Dad and Grandfather more than all of his professional titles and successes.
Joe was a Good Man.
Ben and family – sorry to hear of the passing of your pap. Rest in peace.
Our sincere sympathy to all the Winkler families. Joe and his lovely wife Eileen were wonderful neighbors. May all your happy memories bring you comfort, along with knowing that Joe is at rest with our Lord. God bless you.
Many memories about this great man and his family! Many shared events in Ponce Inlet and lighthouse Shores condo! Personally memories of a trip across the state of Nebraska to South Dakota and Mount Rushmore; one of my best memories! I remember with awe the interaction with his family!! I almost feel like family at times! You will be sorely missed my FRIEND!!
Jenny – somehow lost touch with you after Duquesne…. Sad to see your sweet Dad has passed. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Jerry and I are sorry to hear about Joe and send our sincere condolences to his family. He will truly be missed at Light House Shores, he loved being there with his family and friends. Rest in peace.🙏
Jennifer, prayers for your dad and family
We will certainly miss a wonderful and devoted family man and dear friend next door to us at his condo at Lighthouse Shores ! We send our condolences as he now Rest In Peace! Elizabeth and Dee Parsons
Joe will be sorely missed a great meat man
Joe was a good friend, but more than that.; a real, family man, a great leader, a good boss, a good Catholic. The kind of person you wanted be with. We will all miss you Joe… RIP
Dear Winkler family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember Joe. We fondly remember his visits and family reunions in Ponce Inlet over the years. He will be truly missed.
RIP Joe. We will miss you in Ponce.
Joe will be missed by all of his friends and neighbors at Lighthouse Shores Condominium in Ponce Inlet, FL. He was an excellent member of ur Board of Directors and Treasurer for many years. We send most sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.
A great Meat man and a great boss and friend. All my respect.
Sincerely Bill