Andrew J Winkler II, known to all his family and friends as Andy, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. He was born in Queens, New York, in October 1932. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carole, of 55 years, his sister, Susan Black, and his parents, Andrew and Elizabeth Winkler.

Andy is survived by his children, Alyson (Kevin) Carlson, Drew (Brigette) Winkler, along with grandsons, Trevor and Bryce Carlson, Easton and Brodie Winkler, his sister, Kitty Cohen, brother-in-law, Richie Black, and many nephews and cousins and his wonderful friends

Andy made lifelong friends in high school and was often known as being the class clown and life of the party. He had crazy stories of how he would try to impress his friends, with daredevilish and risky stunts, loving attention and thrills, driving his mother crazy most of the time.

Andy was drafted into the army in 1952, in which he served for 2 years during the Korean War. Once out of the service, he started working as a plumber apprentice and then later an electrician. He joined the union and wound up with a great boss that gave him lots of opportunities.

One night after work, he met his future wife at the bowling alley. They married in June 1970 and went on vacation to Florida. After returning to NY and the snow, they announced to all their friends and family they were moving to Florida. Neither had a job nor did they know where they were going to live but they were so excited about their new adventure, especially since they were expecting their first child in June 1971. Within a short time, Andy met Andy, a fellow entrepreneur from Canada and they partnered together, establishing A&A Electric. Their partnership blossomed not only in business but also in a deep friendship that endured through the years. The friends he made while settling in Ft. Lauderdale became more like family as they vacationed together, celebrated life’s milestones, and stood by each other in times of need. He would often remark about how much he missed those friends after many passed over the years or moved away. After living in Ft. Lauderdale for 30 years, Andy and Carole moved to Sebastian, Florida. Here they made new friendships from the Schuman Tennis courts, to pool friends at Park Place and Sebastian Lakes, card playing friends, Elks club, and all their neighbors.

Andy was a devoted husband and father and cherished his wife and her role as a mother and homemaker. His family was his proudest accomplishment, often bragging to whoever would listen. He became a father at 38, and then again at 40, and he thought he had won the lottery. He would often remark that he just couldn’t believe how lucky he was. From then on, he and Carole devoted their life to their children. Later on, when his children became adults, he was proud that they found wonderful marriage mates and had families of their own. When grandchildren, Trevor, Bryce, Easton, and Brodie came along, he was filled with pride.

Andy loved adventures and traveling. He started by taking an RV throughout the country with his family and later going over to Europe several times with Carole. He enjoyed seeing and experiencing new places. He also loved playing tennis and going out boating. Every week he looked forward to going out to dinner making plans with others at the pool or on the tennis courts. He loved his mornings of crossword puzzle solving and smoking cigars. Sitting out front of his house, getting to talk with his neighbors who he considered great friends was something he missed after moving to Pensacola. He had such a great outlook on life, and most people would often remark about his positive attitude and zeal for life. He lived as if positivity was a choice, one that he made time and time again. A true friend in every sense, and he was the type of person who would willingly give the shirt off his back and trusted others until they proved unworthy of that trust.

As the battle of pancreatic cancer took its toll for the last couple of months, Andy’s spirit of bravery and determination kept going. He fought refusing to let illness define him until he decided it was time. He told everyone that he had lived a life so full of fun, love, laughter and lasting memories. When we would tell him we were not ready, he would remind us of all the great memories and tell us we can be sad for a little while but then get on with living and enjoy all the things life has in store. He wanted all his family and friends to know how thankful he was for their love and friendship for 93 years. He felt like he didn’t deserve everything he had, but he did, and we are all thankful and will remember him for the love he shared with every life he touched. Thank you to all his friends that called, sent cards, and his dear friends Dan and Kelley, who helped when he needed it most. We are also grateful for the compassion shown by his medical team, including Dr. Sibia and Dr. Bennett and staff, and the care by Vitas, especially his nurse, Lexi. All of you came to know what a special man our dad was to us, and you gave him the care he deserved.