Thomas Sherwood Van Winkle, 85, of North Stonington, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on March 28, 2009. Tom was a long-time resident of Mason's Island.
Born on April 11, 1923, in Rutherford, N.J., Tom was the youngest of the three boys born to Stirling and Mabel Van Winkle. At age 19, Tom joined the Navy, serving aboard the USS Marblehead as a torpedoman 3rd Class before being selected for Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as an Ensign at Harvard University and later served aboard the communications ship, Appalachian, on the west coast. Following World War II, he returned to college, graduating from Tufts.
Tom met the love of his life while spending time on Mason's Island. He married Shirley Baker Hossack, of Montclair, N.J. in 1951. He adored her. They spent the majority of their marriage living in Weston, Roxbury and Mystic with additional stints in New Jersey and Wisconsin.
Tom retired from the American Appraisal Company in 1988. Emphasizing the importance of service and civic duty, Tom served as First Selectman and church deacon while living in Roxbury. After the move to Mason's Island as a year-round resident, he served as Mystic Harbor Commission Chair, Mystic Seaport Gung Ho Squad Member, and member of the Ram Island Yacht Club. He continued his voluntary efforts until his body became uncooperative, working as long as possible at the Mystic Seaport Rosenfeld Collection and delivering Meals on Wheels.
Tom enjoyed boating and never could really decide between power and sail. He became an active catboat sailor and enjoyed each one, some of which were fondly named after his wife. Tom also enjoyed his Dutch heritage and proudly celebrated his lifetime membership in the Holland Society of America. Tom had an active and dry sense-of-humor. He found joy in spending time with his family, listening to classical music, playing chess, and reading classic literature.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, and his wife.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Van Winkle of North Stonington; his son, David Van Winkle and wife, Tari and grandchildren, Stirling, Taylor, and Lillian of Tallahassee, Fla., and his son, Tom Van Winkle an wife, Jennifer and grandchildren, Matthew and Katherine of Madison, Wis.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 10:30am at the Mystic Congregational Church with military honors following in the Memorial Garden.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making loving donations to Hospice of Southeastern CT; the Mystic Seaport; or the Mystic Congregational Church.
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