After 72 years, as a source of love and goodness on Earth, Gary Edward Winkler now shines his light on countless friends and family from Heaven. He passed away peacefully, on February 5th, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife of 49 years, three children and three children-in-law, and photographs of each of his five grandchildren, all of whom were the loves of his life, as he was the love of theirs.

Gary lived an authentic, honorable life. Each day, as his children were growing up, and he was leaving for his work in schools, he would say, "Work hard. Be nice. I love you." He truly lived his life by these words. Gary devoted himself to his family and his community and lived each day loving his people to the absolute best of his ability. He was acutely attuned to beauty, creativity, and love in the world, and he strove always to contribute to it. He made the world a gentler and more loving place.

Gary was born on June 11, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from North Hills High School, and received his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and his principal's certificate from Duquesne University. Gary was a passionate lifelong learner, continuing his education through doctoral courses and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.

Gary began his career as an educator at Fox Chapel Area School District, where for a few years, he and Susan taught sixth grade together at Northern Area (now Hartwood) Elementary School. He transitioned into a career as an elementary principal beginning with an assistant principalship at O'Hara Elementary in Fox Chapel. Next, he accepted a principal's position in North Hills School District, at Seville and Highcliff Elementaries, and spent the majority of his ten years in North Hills as principal of West View Elementary. Finally, he was inspired to make a difference in the smaller, more intimate community of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, at Tenth Street Elementary, in Riverview School District. The people, community, and his work at Tenth Street were the joy and pride of his professional life.

Outside of his family and career, other loves of Gary's included several lifelong best friendships, a broad appreciation for and love of music, democracy and humanitarianism, National Public Radio, most often played loudly as he worked on his latest project in his cherished garage workshop. He appreciated literature, both children's and adult, quotations from wise thinkers, and was always curious about learning new things. This included how to execute every requested DIY project from his children and how to bring every imaginative world to life for his grandchildren. Every day started with strong black coffee and Jif Peanut Butter and every week ended with CBS Sunday Morning.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Winkler. Susan was Gary's first and only love, a love that was deep, reverent, and lifelong. He is also survived by his children, Lauren (Matthew) Lafferty, Katelyn (Brett) Ziegler, and Andrew (Emily) Winkler; his grandchildren, Grant Lafferty, Graham, Dash, and Knox Ziegler, and Miles Gary Winkler, all of whom fiercely loved and
adored him; his brother, Scott (Ellen) Winkler, and sister, Barbara Person, and several nieces and nephews.

Gary is preceded in death by his loving parents, Marjorie and Edward Winkler, his beloved grandmother, Suzanne Winkler, and his brother, Jeffrey Winkler.

Gary's Celebration of Life memorial service will be Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at 11 a.m., in the Tenth Street Elementary auditorium.

To honor Gary's passion for children's education and pedagogy, please consider donating to The Fred Rogers Institute, through Saint Vincent College.

Arrangements entrusted to the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont.