In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, RCDS Grad, Sailor, Bill Van Winkle, 92

Longtime Little Silver resident, Bill Van Winkle, passed peacefully at home on July 24. He was 92.

Born July 3, 1934, in Englewood, to Helen Wescott and Marshall Van Winkle, Jr., Bill graduated from The Rumson Country Day School, Newark Academy and Lehigh University with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business.

“Bill married Beverly Elsie Peterson in 1956 (and would have celebrated their 70^th anniversary in September). This was the beginning of an extraordinary partnership filled with love, adventure and family. Bill’s favorite pastime was boats, both racing and cruising, competing in five Newport-to-Bermuda races, which inducted him into The Gulf Stream Society. Bill was self-taught at celestial navigation using a hand held sextant.

“Next to his family, Bill loved his boats which he maintained meticulously. Upon purchasing his Sanderling catboat, he sailed Whimsy from South Dartmouth, MA to his Little Silver home via the East River. Way too many adventures to mention on his Bayliner, Endless Summer, including the Canada to Key West Odyssey (with Beverly) and his Coastal 27, Prime Time, which he would take to Boca Grande in the winter. Bill not only loved the sea, but also the wind and sky. In his early years, he would fly his plane from New Jersey to Florida navigating by the iron compass (following the railroad tracks).

“With Beverly accompanying him on these trips and hand turning the propeller to start the engine, he realized she was a keeper. Bill enjoyed the stars, looking at all of the constellations on a clear night and more importantly sharing his excitement about them. Never a dull moment, Bill chose to celebrate his 70^th birthday by skydiving.”
Loved ones of Bill Van Winkle in his obituary

In 1978 Bill began a new career as a Financial Professional with New York Life, founded his own firm Van Winkle Associates and remained in the industry for 47 years. Bill obtained the MSFS master’s degree in Financial Services from the American College, and the CFP designation. He was awarded many industry and company accolades during his career.

Active in the community, Bill served as: a board member of The Rumson-Fair Haven Bank, president of The Holland Society of New York, president of The Brookdale College Foundation, trustee of The Monmouth County Conservation Foundation, and trustee of The Visiting Nurse Association.

Bill was a past commodore and life member of the Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club, and a past commodore of the North Jersey Yacht Racing Association. Bill was also a member of the Sea Bright Beach Club and Navesink Country Club. He was also a communicant at St. John’s Episcopal Church and was a chalice bearer and usher for many years.

“Above all, Bill was a true ‘people’ person — he loved and would talk with everyone he met. His daily morning read of The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Asbury Park Press from cover to cover resulted in handpicked articles with the recipient’s name written on top. Bill delivered these personally or mailed immediately with a note. This way of connecting with others was something Bill enjoyed all the way into his golden years. Bill will be cherished and remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and dear friend to so many.”

Bill is survived by: his wife, Beverly Peterson Van Winkle; his three children, Stuart Van Winkle (Gail), Ainsley Van Winkle Hilfiker (Rick), and Carrie Van Winkle White (Craig Weisbecker); his grandchildren, Kendall Van Winkle Radmann (Rich), Ainsley E. Hilfiker Smith (Jack), Will Hilfiker, Margot White, Harris Hilfiker, and Catherine White.

The family wishes to thank Bill’s caregivers, Megi and Marie, for their compassion and dedication.

Arrangements will be announced at a later date. Those wishing to honor Bill’s memory may make a donation to Holiday Express or Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home