Donald R. Winters

Donald R. Winters, 78, of Middletown, died on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at John Clarke Nursing Center following a hard fought, three-year battle with leukemia.He was the devoted husband and soulmate of Amy E. (Turcotte) Winters for more than 54 years.Born on January 12, 1938 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late John A. and Margaret (Gilbert) Winters.Mr. Winters served in the United States Marine Corps upon his graduation from Rogers High School.He had a 40-year career in the automobile business, including seven years operating the former Winters Auto Sales in Middletown. His interest in cars originated during high school where he was often found tinkering under the hood of one.He was a former member of the Middletown Knights of Columbus, giving blood regularly to support all of their drives. He enjoyed volunteering with his wife and late sister at the Middletown Senior Center. Mr. Winters was a communicant of St. Lucys Church and was passionate about his beautiful gardens during his retirement years. He loved playing cards and chess with his grandchildren, Thanksgiving dinner, a good cup of coffee, and listening to his wife sing in church. He valued a good work ethic, humility, laughter and integrity. His daughter was always Daddy's "little girl", and he was his son's best friend. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Donald R. Winters, Jr. of Newport, RI and Kathleen A. Bruneau and her husband Kevin of Middletown, RI; his brother John G. Winters of Fall River, MA; five grandsons, Christopher Budihas, Jaret Winters, Brooks Winters, Carson Winters and Braden Winters; as well as several nieces and nephews.He was the father of the late Christopher Scott Winters and the brother of the late Constance Jennings, Eleanor Lilley and Margaret Kilmer.Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.His funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, RI. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Browns Lane, Middletown, RI.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Lucys Church. Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation MAY 17. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Mass MAY 18. 10:30 AM St. Lucys Church 909 West Main Road Middletown, RI, US, 02842