Mr. Joseph M. Winnicki

May 30, 1943 - May 23, 2020

UTICA - Mr. Joseph M. Winnicki, age 76, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Sitrin Health Care Center with those he loved most in his heart. His passing healed his broken heart, for he joined his beloved wife, Elaine. Born in Utica on May 30, 1943, Joseph was the son of the late Stanley and Genevieve (Powroznik) Winnicki. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of New York Mills High School. On September 18, 1965 he married the former Elaine Marie Lawrence with whom he shared 40 loving years prior to her passing on October 2, 2005. Joe and his wife owned and operated the Country Ski Shop before joining his father-in-law with assisting in the family business of Joseph Lawrence Inc. until his retirement in 2007. A world traveler, Joe loved to meet and interact with people. He had the ability to speak and connect with everyone he met. Joe loved all animals, especially his Old English Sheepdog Raisin. Most of all, he loved watching and bragging about his granddaughter Julia, who was the apple of his eye, and later on his twin grandchildren Emmett and Harper. Joe is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Joel L. and Kelly A. Winnicki; his grandchildren, Julia, Emmett, and Harper; his sister, Audrey; brothers and sister-in-law, Roger and Sharon Winnicki, and Eugene Winnicki; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws; extended family, Dr. Richard and Geri Larkin; and friends, Laura Misiaszek, and Carol LaFache. He was predeceased by his sister, Ceil Swan; in-laws, Joanna L. and Peter A. Cardamone; and his canine companion, Raisin. The family is grateful to the nursing staff of the Sitrin Home for the compassionate care rendered to Joe during his stay. Due to current health concerns and in keeping with federal and state regulations, the family will honor Joseph’s life privately. Please take a moment to connect with Joe’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our community support.