William C. Winger, Jr., 93

February 27, 2019

William C. Winger, Jr., Friend, Family Man, Inventor, Businessman, Bridge Teacher, Golfer and Fisherman, died at age 93, in Lititz, PA, on February 27, 2019 at Moravian Manor with family by his side. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late W. Carl Winger, Sr. and Helen J. (Parker) Winger. Bill was the loving husband of the late Robbye (Stoddard) Winger to whom he was married for 70 years. Together they raised four children.

Bill was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps. As an air cadet at Maxwell Field in Montgomery, Alabama, Bill met and courted Robbye. When the war ended, they married and moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bill attended Stevens Trade (now Stevens College of Technology) on the GI Bill, where he studied as a machinist. In 1948 he joined the family business, Novelty Manufacturing Company, where he expanded the product line, streamlined manufacturing operations, and designed machines. He held multiple patents. Bill retired in 1990 as president.

Bill was a man of many talents and interests throughout his life. An avid sportsman, he was captain of the Manheim Township High School tennis team where he was also served as senior class president. He and Robbye enjoyed playing golf and traveling the world together. He made annual forays deep into the Canadian wilderness for fishing trips with a troupe of devoted friends, from whom he picked up the nickname “High Ridge Willie” for the one lapse in his normally flawless sense of direction. Bill was also an accomplished bridge player and sought-after bridge instructor at Moravian Manor. A member of Salem United Church of Christ, Rohrerstown, PA, Bill served on the leadership counsel and taught throughout the years.

Family was the core of Bill’s life. From them, he earned many nicknames: Daddy, Pop, Daddy-O, Pop Pop, and G-Pop, each one precious to him. He is survived by his children: Timothy M. Winger husband of Marie of Lancaster, PA, Melinda S. Winger of Maytown, PA, Pamela wife of Thomas Carpenter of Lititz, PA, and Holly wife of Joseph Fortner of West Hartford, CT; four grandchildren: Gretchen wife of John Oury, Andrew Winger husband of Sharon, Amanda and Margaret Fortner; three great-grandchildren: Dylan Carpenter, Luna Oury and Gemma Winger. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Drew Carpenter. Bill welcomed many more to his extended family, including his employees at Novelty, neighbors on Hillaire Road and the residents and staff of Moravian Manor.

Often described as a “true gentleman”, Bill will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, faithfulness and delightful sense of humor. He was also a devoted friend who took an interest in everyone, making them feel important and valued. A friend of Bill’s was a friend for life.
The Winger family would like to extend a “Thank You” to Moravian Manor for the extraordinary care they provided for both Bill and Robbye as their lives drew to a close.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at Salem United Church of Christ – Rohrerstown, 2312 Marietta Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603; family and friends will be received between 10 and 11 a.m. An additional Service for residents and staff of Moravian Manor will honor Bill at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Steinman Hall, Moravian Manor, 300 W. Lemon St, Lititz, PA. Feel free to attend either Service. Interment will be held privately. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to “Salem UCC Rohrerstown” (please reference “The Furnace Fund”) or to the “Moravian Manor Benevolent Care Fund” at the above addresses.