LeRoy Winters

Waterford — LeRoy A. Winters, 88, of Waterford, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017.

Born in New London, on Sept. 28, 1929, he was the son of the late Clifford and Esther (Burrows) Winters.

Roy was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He retired from Pfizer after a 32-year career. A lifelong volunteer, he contributed his time to many organizations, including: Harkness Memorial State Park, American Cancer Society, and over 20 years at the Nautilus Submarine Museum, earning The President’s Volunteer Service Award. In addition to volunteering, he had a passion for Big Band music, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, travel and family.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Beacon Hospice and New London Rehab and Care, whose gentle and loving care of Roy during his final days is appreciated beyond words.

Roy is survived by his daughters, Linda Johnson of Middletown and Barbara Winters of Waterford; granddaughter, Andrea (Nick) Crafton of Houston, Texas; and brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Jean (Eleanor) Winters. He also leaves Gene Johnson of Niantic and Matt Melone of Groton, both of whom he cherished as the sons he never had.

Roy was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Vera, in 2013; his sister, Celia Vogl; and his brother, Clifford E. Winters Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory may be made to the Friends of Harkness, Roy Winters Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 10, Waterford, CT 06385 or the charity of your choice. These funds will be used to plant a tree at Harkness in Roy’s memory, to join the tree that was planted in memory of Vera.

A celebration of Roy’s Life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.. Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, at the Waterford Community Center, 24 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford.