Wayne O. Winslow passed away of natural causes on Monday, February 8, in Norwich, NY, in his sixty eighth year.
Wayne was born in Queens, NY on April 24, 1947 to Margaret (Ratto) and Edward Winslow Sr. His older brothers, Edward and Paul preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary & Lou Cordero, his sister-in-law Loretta Winslow, his nieces and nephews, Christa and Angelica Cordero, Steve and Fran Winslow, Jim and Trish Winslow, Laura and Joe Tasso and Michael and Heather Winslow, eleven great-nieces and nephews, his cousins Sr. Barbara Winslow, Mary and Ray Powers and his best friends Greg, Jeanne and Jack Harrington.
Wayne was a graduate of Incarnation R.C. School, Martin Van Buren H.S. and St. John's University, all in Queens, NY. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Viet Nam conflict.
His early years might be characterized by the ordinary, until his defining moment in November 1997, for which he will be most remembered. Upon having a flu shot, Wayne contracted Guillain-Barre Syndrome leaving him paralyzed for the rest of his life.
In the following 18 years Wayne's journey would take him to hospitals and nursing homes from Queens, Long Island and North Carolina to his last home in Oxford, NY. He encountered many doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, EMTs, ambulance drivers and pilots along the way. None will be forgotten for their generosity and kind assistance.
Wayne loved his books, music, movies, good meals, cigars and conversations about them all. He was very intelligent and charming, having a good sense of humor, with impeccable taste.
One quiet morning he was taken to the hospital for the last time with very low blood pressure. Once again he was cared for by kind doctors, nurses and EMTs. And again family and friends networked in prayer, this time, assisting him to his eternal rest.
Wayne learned to surrender himself patiently as few are able to do. This Knight Among Men leaves a legacy of virtue and grace of how to live and die unselfishly.
His last trip will be from Oxford, NY to Washington Crossing, PA where he will be laid to rest at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. The viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 16, at 10 AM followed by Holy Mass at 11 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lower Makefield, PA.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, NY. Friends and family may share their memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com
Memorial contributions may be made to NYS Veterans' Home, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830.
Hebrews 5:8 - "Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered."