Chester W. Winnicki

Chester “Chet” W. Winnicki, 81, of Berlin, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026. Born to the late Adeline (Karwoski) and Michael Winnicki, Chet was a graduate of Plymouth High School (PA), Class of 1962, and a longtime resident of Central Connecticut, where he spent decades in the local insurance industry.

Chet truly lived in the outdoors. Whether fishing, boating, or shell fishing, he was most at home on the water. He was a mainstay at local social clubs and possessed an unapologetic gambler’s spirit, never passing up a good card game or a game of chance.

Chet was a beloved husband, son, brother, parent, friend, and neighbor who lived by the philosophy that life was meant to be shared. He was a legendary host whose gatherings were known for their energy, generosity, and open door. Everyone was welcome and there was always more than enough to eat and drink. Even when he wasn't the host, he was invariably the life of the party. He was spirited, welcoming, and almost always the last to leave, never wanting the good times to end.

His true gift, however, was his ability to ignite passion in others. He didn’t just invite you along; he mentored you so naturally that you didn't realize until later that his hobbies had become your own. While many fathers teach their sons to fish, Chet seemed determined to teach the entire world, leaving behind a legacy of people who now carry his love for the water in his stead.

Chet was a master connectionist—a man who genuinely wanted to hear your story and weave it into his own. It was a skill he honed as a salesman, and those who listened closely often realized his stories carried more truth than they first assumed—and they often learned something new and interesting in the process.

He was a man of immense hospitality and generosity, setting a standard for all of us to strive toward—provided, of course, you returned whatever you borrowed. We all have our red lines, and that was his.

Chet is survived by his wife, Beverly J. Winnicki (Wilkinson) of Berlin; his son, Chester A. Winnicki and wife Brittany of Boston; his daughter, Sarah Winnicki and husband Ryan Simmons of Wakefield, RI; and his three grandchildren, Adeline, Alexander, and Neve, with another grandchild on the way.

Friends and relatives are invited to call at Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main St, Kensington, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

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