Obituaries

April 21st, 2026

John Winkler, 74, of Aston, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as rich and steadfast as the man himself. He was stubborn in the best possible way — a man who knew who he was, stood firm in his convictions, and never wavered in his love for his family. Beneath that toughness was a heart that was endlessly kind and deeply caring, always showing up for the people he loved in ways that words rarely could capture.

John was a man of fierce loyalty. He gave his love completely and expected respect in return — not out of pride, but because he believed in the dignity of every person he held dear. Those who knew him understood: you always knew where you stood with John, and if you were lucky enough to have his loyalty, there was no one better in your corner.

John dedicated 29 years of his career to Scientific Games, where he served as a Unix and Linux Systems Administrator. He was a skilled and dependable professional who took great pride in his work. For nearly three decades he brought the same qualities to his career that he brought to everything in life — reliability, expertise, and an unshakeable commitment to doing things right. His colleagues knew they could count on him, and that meant everything to John.

One of the greatest joys of John’s life was the day he became Pop. Though he didn’t get to see his grandchildren Eric, Noah, and Charlotte as often as he wished, the love he had for them knew no limits. Distance never dimmed what he felt for them — they were a light in his life, and every moment he did get to spend with them was treasured deeply. He loved them tremendously, and that love was felt even when he couldn’t be there.

John was a devoted Philadelphia sports fan through and through, and his passion for the Eagles and Phillies was about far more than just the games. Some of his most cherished memories were taking his son to Eagles and Phillies games when he was young — those afternoons together in the stands were moments he held onto for the rest of his life. And in his later years, getting to share the Eagles’ two recent Super Bowl victories and the Phillies’ World Series championship with his son and grandchildren brought him a joy that was hard to put into words. To see his teams win, surrounded by the people he loved most — that was everything to John.

John had a deep love for dogs, and his beloved Dutchess held an especially tender place in his heart. He loved her with everything he had, and she was by his side through so much of his life. Anyone who knew John knew how much Dutchess meant to him — she wasn’t just a pet, she was family.

One of John’s greatest joys in life was making the trip up to Scranton, Pennsylvania to visit his cousins. He cherished those times deeply — the laughter, the stories, the feeling of being surrounded by family who knew him his whole life. He loved the area and felt at home there in a way that was unmistakable. For John, those visits weren’t just trips — they were a reminder of where he came from and how much family meant to him. His cousins in Scranton held a very special place in his heart, and he in theirs.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Diane Winkler; his devoted son, John Winkler; his cherished daughter-in-law, Amie Winkler; his grandchildren, Eric, Noah, and Charlotte Winkler; his brother, Anthony Tenaro;his sister -in-law, Brenda Tenaro; his nieces, Jamie Winkler, Stephanie Tenaro, and Christina Tenaro; and his faithful companion, Dutchess.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Alice and Anthony Tenaro; his dear sister, Alyse Winkler; and his brother, James Winkler.

John Winkler was not a man of many words when it came to feelings — but everyone who knew him felt his love deeply. He leaves behind a family who will miss him every single day, and a son who would give anything for just one more chance to say: I love you, Dad.

Forever in our hearts.

Services

A private ceremony will be held for family members at a time and date to be determined. The family asks that you keep John and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers during this time.