Ronald Victor Winters

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted."

(Matthew 5:4).

Obituary of Ronald Victor Winters

The world has lost one of the Greatest Generation, a World War II veteran. A void has been created for those whose lives were touched by Victor Winters. Vic, age 102, a longtime resident of Winthrop, NY finished his adventures on this earth peacefully at United Helpers Senior Care in Canton on Thursday, February 12th, 2026. He was born in Skinnerville, NY on September 18, 1923, to Johnson and Flora (Cummings) Winters. Raised in Massena, his early years were enriched by living on farms along the Saint Lawrence River. It was here that he cultivated a lifelong love of nature. He was always an avid reader and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Vic was a graduate of Massena High School, class of 1943. He briefly went to work at Alcoa but like many his age, World War II took him away from home. He enlisted in the Army and served in the Pacific, where he was stationed primarily in the Philippines and Japan. Upon returning home, he married Anna Grace Peterson from Potsdam, NY. The couple settled in Pleasant Valley where they were partners in starting a dairy business - Maybrook Farms. He later returned to work at Alcoa. In 1949, he and Grace moved to Buckton where they raised their family and operated a dairy farm while Vic continued to work at Alcoa and then Reynolds. He retired from Reynolds Metals in 1986 and spent his retirement golfing, traveling, and spending time with family. Vic leaves behind his cherished family - Mike and Eileen Winters, Bruce and Pat Winters, Wayne and TerriLynn Winters, Judy and Mark LaBaff, and Lisa Doran and Aden Anderson. He is predeceased by his wife Grace Peterson Winters, his parents, one older brother, Donald Winters and three sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Marion. He was Grandpa to 13 children, Great Grandpa to 23, and recently a Great, Great Grandpa. He was adored by a bevy of nieces and nephews, colleagues, golf and bowling buddies and friends. Vic was the consummate competitor rather on the golf course or at the bowling alley; playing flag football or pitching horseshoes; engaged in Jeopardy with Alex Trebek or playing a "friendly" card game. The family extends gratitude to those who supported Vic during his later years, especially the staff at Maplewood, the card players at the VFW, and Connie & Julie at LBSH. They made him feel special, loved, and respected. We thank Vic for bringing his love of the Lord, his honesty, his wit, and his values into our lives. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 20th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop, NY. The funeral will be at 11:00 AM Saturday at the Knapps Station Community Church with Lee Sweeney officiating. A reception and celebration of life will be held at 12:30PM at the American Legion in Winthrop - all are welcome. Burial will be in the spring at the Union Cemetery in Buckton. Donations may be made to Union Cemetery Association, Massena VFW, or the Winthrop American Legion.