Kenneth Winfield, 94, of Cape Coral, FL, well known Bridgeton, NJ educator, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2013. He was the son of Joseph and Ruth Winfield and was a native of NJ. Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife, Veronica Benning and niece Mrs. Joan (John) Cohn. Kenneth received his Doctor of Education and Masters degrees from Temple University. He obtained his Bachelor degree from Rutgers University. He was also awarded a Fellowship to Syracuse University. During his 43 year career in education, he served as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent of schools, director of learning and research center, university professor and administrator. Ken spent 14 years in Bridgeton, NJ, as a teacher, coach and administrator. He assisted head coach David Shapiro in bringing a state championship football team to Bridgeton HS. He also coached several championship track and tennis teams. In addition, he coached the Bridgeton Indians football team and a semi-professional basketball team. His ability to identify and assist young athletes’ development helped many gain scholarships and play on college teams. The last Tex Robinson went on after graduating from Temple University to play professional football. Ken also served as director of the March of Dimes for Monroe County, NJ and chairman of the local chapter of American Red Cross disaster relief committee. Perhaps his most outstanding achievement was developing an elementary school of mostly migrant black children into a model for others to follow. For his work, the Governor of the State of New Jersey awarded Ken a citation. In 1955, Ken left Brighton to accept a position as Superintendent of Schools. In 1963, Ken was appointed as an Associate Professor of Education to the State University of NY, the College at Potsdam, NY. In 1965 he was promoted to Full Professor and given tenure of office. In 1966, he was appointed by East Stroudsburg University, PA, as Professor of Education for 18 years and retired in 1982. The University awarded him the title of Professor Emeritus. Ken and his former wife Margaret (died 1999)moved to Cape Coral, FL in 1985 and Ken became an educational consultant. In 1986, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. During the ensuing years he served as an officer for Public Education and Public Affairs on every level including flotilla, division, district and national staff. As seventh District Staff Officer for public education, he was responsible for public boating classes in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He held this office for over 18 years. As National Staff Officer for Public Affairs, Ken assisted officers who were in charge of public relations and public affairs in the United States, including Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He had the opportunity to visit many of these places. He participated in search and rescue missions, served as a radio watch stander, vessel examiner and instructor. He was a longtime member of flotilla 9-10, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, and flotilla 9-3, Naples. Ken was an active instructor until his death. Ken received awards from the US Customs Service and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for his work in promoting the “Zero Tolerance Drug Program.” In 1998, he received the US Coast Guard “Award of Merit” with a citation, medal and ribbon for his work. He also received many educational awards during his career. In 1995, he was appointed by the Cape Coral City Council to the Educational Advisory Committee where he served as chairman until 2000. During his tenure he initiated the “Book Scholarship Program” for high school students. In 2002, he joined the Cape Coral Hospital Auxiliary and served as a patient representative, also serving as chairman of the Scholarship Committee for future nurses. In 2003, he was elected President –Elect of the Auxiliary and in 2004, as president. Ken was a world traveler, making his first sea voyage in 1965, to Spain and Portugal. In 2000, he was on a 93 day trip around the world covering 35,000 miles. In 2002, he embarked on two 30 day voyages, one to the South Pacific and the second to northern and central Europe. Ken was a member of the American Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, Cape Coral Sailing Club, Cape Coral Elks, Southwest Florida Sportsman’s Association and the National Rifle Association. During World War II, he served in the US Marine Corps. Memorial services will be held Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 1:00pm at the chapel of Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 1630 SW Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL and/or The Animal Refuge Center, 18011 Old Bayshore Rd., N. Ft. Myers, FL 33917. Online condolences can be made at www.coralridgefuneralhome.com
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