Ret. Col. Harry L. Winberg passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his beloved family.
Harry was born in Jamestown, NY and joined the Air Force in 1949 as an Air Cadet. He flew 66 missions into North Korea in the F-80 Shooting Star where he was shot down and wounded during his extraction. He was awarded the Purple Heart and returned to Phoenix, Arizona where he married his fiancée, Mary Kay Cox. During his career, he travelled the world, served a tour of duty in Thailand and a second tour of duty in Korea (during peacetime) before being transferred to Rome, NY in 1973.
He retired from the Air Force in 1978, finishing his service to his Country as the Vice Commander of the Rome Air Development Center. In addition to the Purple Heart, he was awarded the Bronze Star; Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters; Legion of Merit; Korean Service Medal; and Vietnam Service Medal.
After retirement, he joined Nolan Corporation in Rome, as the Vice President and Chief of Operations where he worked for fourteen years.
Harry introduced his family to sailing in Dayton, Ohio which began years of small boat sailing and weekend racing. In 1978, Harry and Mary graduated to blue water sailing with a Chris Craft Comanche 42 foot sailboat which they sailed for 29 years on Lake Ontario and entertained numerous family and friends. In retirement, Harry remained active in local and regional organizations and enjoyed travelling, skiing and, of course, sailing.
Harry was a member of the Order of Daedalians; F-86 Sabre Pilots Association; Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association; Military Officers Association of America; Ancient Order of Quiet Birdmen; Rome Rotary Club (where he served as President from 1983-1984); Jervis Public Library Association; Rome Family YMCA Board; St. John’s Lutheran Church Boards of Trustees, Education, Stewardship & Elders; Rome Academy of Sciences Board of Trustees; New York Library System Board of Trustees; Scandinavian Society of Mohawk Valley; United States Power and Sail Squadron; Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement; Lake Delta Yacht Club; International Soaring Association/Iroquois Soaring Association; Griffiss Ski Club; Academy of Model Aeronautics; and Paradise R. C. Flyers, Inc.
Harry’s happiest moments were time spent with family.
He is survived by his wife Mary, of almost 66 years; their four children, Christina Gutwein, Steven Winberg, James Winberg, and David Winberg; their nine grandchildren and two-and-a-half great grandchildren. His love, legacy, teaching, and spirit will live on in all of us. He was predeceased by his parents, Arvid and Anna Winberg; and his brother, Ralph Winberg.
The family is grateful for the care by Doctors Seedat and Desai, and Hospice.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 4:00 PM at Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut St., Rome, NY. Donations can be made to Syracuse Honor Flight (www.honorflightsyracuse.org) or 315.445.9804) or the Military Officers Association of America’s award for military enlistees (www.gruc-moaa.org) or PO BOX 36, Rome, NY 13442).
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