Obituary of Josef Winkler

Josef Winkler, of Florham Park (formerly a longtime resident of Throggs Neck, Bronx), died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 3, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 98. Josef was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Gertrude Winkler (née Jaindl), who passed away five years ago.

Josef was born on January 1, 1926, in Wallendorf, Burgenland, Austria, to the late Franz and Hermina Winkler. One of eight children born into a hard-working Catholic family, Josef was his parents' third child and was predeceased by all his siblings. At age 14, Josef was sent away from home to apprentice as a fine woodworker. Later, during his late teenage years, Josef saw extensive combat in World War II, formative experiences he carried with him for the following eighty years.

Josef married Gertrude in Austria in 1951 and immigrated to the United States via the ocean liner Queen Mary in 1952. Upon settling in Throggs Neck, Bronx, New York, he acquired a three-family home and raised their two children, Josef and Eileen.

Bringing with him his old-world training in fine woodworking and cabinet making, Josef first worked as a foreman at the Winter Piano Factory in the Bronx and later as head carpenter at Drier Structural Steel in Long Island City. Josef’s longest career tenure was at the renowned Langenbacher Architectural Woodworking Company in Hunts Point, NY.

A tireless worker, Josef was commissioned by a broad range of private clients to craft custom fine furniture, pianos, and hardwood cabinetry well into his 90s. When at home after work or on the weekend, he could frequently be found, often to the dismay of his wife, in his workshop. Josef also had hobbies of gardening and caring for nature, along with music and song – passions he had learned as a child growing up on an Austrian farm.

Josef was a man of faith with a relentless work ethic, believing that anything could be overcome. He was deeply devoted to his family and was a proud and beloved husband, father, and "Opa" to his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Although he will be deeply missed by his family and friends, Josef lived a full and remarkable life, leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come.

Josef is survived by his son, Josef Winkler and his wife Catherine of York, Maine; his daughter, Eileen Raskin and her husband Edward of Chatham; seven cherished grandchildren, Josef, John, Paul, Renee, James, Julia, & Craig; four great-grandchildren, Morgan, Jack, Declan, & Kate; and many nieces and nephews in Austria; and his wife’s and his longtime caregiver, Maria.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the visitation held on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Corpus Christi Church, 234 Southern Boulevard, Chatham.