William L Winchell

William “Bill” Lawrence Winchell, 83, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away at his home on February 8, 2015, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with lung cancer. His beloved wife, Dolores, of 63 years, daughters Jeanine Davis, Karen Winchell, Terrie Green, and Mary Mazzochi, their son Joseph Winchell, 16 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews survive William.

William was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Irene Winchell, his stepfather Steven Adams, brother Robert Winchell and sister Dorothy (Leonard) Gadzinski.

William was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 22, 1931 to Alvin and Irene (Cubbage) Winchell. He graduated from Fenger High School in 1949 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder. On August 18, 1951, he married Dolores Ann Kernagis in Chicago, Illinois. William also served an honorable tour of duty in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

William was an adventurous guy and became a well-traveled man due to his career as an electrical engineer in telecommunications. He journeyed to over 39 countries globally and 48 states nationally during his nearly 50 years as a professional engineer. He not only took pride in his work, but also truly valued the friendships he made during his career.

William was a patient, supportive, and kind family man who truly enjoyed spending his retirement years with his children and grandchildren. His hobbies included golfing with family and friends, watching football, baseball, or reading his favorite mystery, suspense, and/or thriller novels.

William was an active, participating member of St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Arizona for 14 years and recently became knighted as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Organization.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 13th, 2015 at 10:00am at St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 South Dobson Road in Sun Lakes, Arizona. The praying of the rosary will begin at 9:15am in the Church prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memorial of William to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, POB 13600, Phoenix, AZ 85002, or via online at: https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/donate

The Winchell family wishes to extend their gratitude to Banner Hospice and to his caregivers from Griswold Family Home Care and Home Instead In-Home Care for their attentiveness and caring support in his final days.