Michael Joseph Winzig

March 15, 1952 - August 12, 2020

There will be a live stream on Sunday for Michael Winzig starting at 4pm https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/18577065 Michael Joseph Winzig ~ Mike, who was 68 years old, died peacefully at home on August 12, 2020. Mike was son of Francis T. and Leta Mae (Sublette) Winzig. He is survived by his brothers, Theodore and Richard and predeceased by brother Frank and sister Catherine Winzig. More about the family below. I, Maureen Winzig, was his wife and friend. Mike was my second husband and we were married for 25 years. He had taken my son, Maximilien Peck who is 33, under his wing as if he were is own son since Max was 4 years old. Mike was lucky to have a large and wonderful family. His brothers and sister had children all of whom Mike adored. I know they will understand when I say Suzanne Dixon was his favorite niece. She has married Troy Dixon and they have a young son, Campbell and live in Australia! His oldest brother Ted has daughters - Heidi, with sons Joseph and Christopher and daughter, Kim with son Nicholas. Sister Cathy had Suzanne. Brother Richard had son Christopher who has daughters, Abby and Madelyn and son Noah, and Richard's daughter Laura Lynn has daughter, Lilly. Brother Frank and wife Carol have sons James with wife Kelly who have son, Connor and daughter, Sophia and their other son Thomas with wife Kate have sons, Logan and William and daughter, Lily. There is the Bleakley family and others I am sure, but I cannot leave out our dear aunt Lily Winzig Windsor, the famous opera star and final proprietor of the Winzig's Deli in Hawthorne, NY. So, now about Mike. Mike was born raised in Hawthorne, NY and was a graduate of Westlake High School in Thornwood, NY. He had a colorful youth and worked at restaurant owned by his father Frank for nearly 40 years, the Colonial Tavern (then Gordo's) in Thornwood, NY. Frank was known as a man with a heart of gold who helped friends and people in need. Mike adored his father who passed before I could meet him. Mike's mom, Leta Mae, was a saint raising 5 children and caring for a grand daughter at a time where all modern household marvels were not around. I would say Mike had the generosity and moral compass of his father and the caring tender heart of his mother. Being the youngest child, Mike was most definitely spoiled. He went on to work at ConEdison for years and then to trade school to become a carpenter for Local 279 until he retired in 2018. He remained friends with so many in this brotherhood till his passing. Mike would not mind me saying that part of his colorful past was rather dark until he turned around in 1981 where he found recovery. In his 3 plus decades of recovery, Mike had given back to countless people helping them find their way in sobriety. This is where we met. Mike had made so many deep and lasting friendships there. Later, Mike and I became avid scuba divers and created another band of amazing adventure seeking traveling friends. Here he discovered underwater photography which grew into landscape and music venue photography. He became a member of the Peekskill Arts Alliance and found other photogs and artists who loved him here in our hometown of Peekskill. But most of all, Mike was the kindest, coolest, laid-back, generous, and "Real" guy you could ever want to know. He loved dogs and all animals, and they loved him. Children where drawn to him. Never the gregarious type but you knew when the "Cool guy" was in the room. For the 29 years I've know him, Mike had never raised his voice, never freaked out, and always took life in stride. His love of family is one of the endearing qualities that drew me to him. Any wedding, funeral, crisis or family party, Mike was sure to go. In fact, if you were his friend and you needed support in a crisis, Mike was there. When we were just more than acquaintances, Mike came to help me convert my garage into a studio so I could rent it to put food on my table. He did this carpentry for free under one condition, I was not to tell anyone. He has always been there for me refinishing our house, my art studios, and all our friend's places, too. He moved in with me and we married in 1995. For a time, we were apart. I got a studio/apt and rented the house. He bought a co-op nearby. In 2017 we reunited because honestly, we were never really apart. He had always told me I was the love of his life and I found out that he was most certainly mine. We sold both places in 2019 and found our dream condo in Peekskill where we would plan our next adventures and grow old together. But in January of 2020 Mike was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. For six months Mike fought as hard as he could to beat this thing. With the countless doctors' appointments, chemotherapy, radiation, hospitalizations, and medications Mike had never once complained. "It is what it is, Moe" is what he told me. I have strived my whole adult life trying to live with grace and maturity and have a long way to go. But in this time especially, all I had to do was look at Mike and see these things quietly in action. He changed so much. He lost weight and could no longer do even little things but instead of being bitter he would apologize and thank me to me for having to help him. And he became so tender. He worried that the new house was not finished enough for me to live in even though he saw to it that we have a brand-new kitchen and so much more. "I'm worried about you, Reenie" he would say not once thinking of himself. So, I told him at the end that he has taken care of everything. He has always taken care of everything including me and my son. I reminded him that my friends and family will take care of me now and that he is loved by so many wonderful friends and family far and wide. Mike passed away peacefully in our home with me at his side and our dear friend Patty beside me. I have never known a man quite like Michael Winzig and doubt I ever will again. Thank you, friends and family that have showered us in love and support and please always keep a place in your hearts for Mike.