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WINISTORFER, Jules C. “ Charlie” age 89

November 22, 2020

Loving husband of Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Glaesser). Devoted father of Deborah Weitzel (David), Glenn Winistorfer (Barbara), Wendy Dominik (David) and Beth Thornton (Patrick). Also survived by his grandchildren, Shawn McGrath, Jason Winistorfer, Daniel Winistorfer, Kelsey Dominik, David Dominik, Danielle Dominik, Jules Thornton and Ben Thornton. Along with great grandchildren Shawn, Gavin, Ryder, and his brother, Allan Winistorfer (Margie).

Jules was born Oct 29, 1931 and spent his childhood in the Fox Chase section of Philadelphia. He was a graduate of Central High School and attended Drexel University where he studied engineering. Charlie served in the naval reserves for eight years.

Charlie and his wife, Betty, have been together since their first date at age 15. They married on June 21, 1952; happily married for a little over 68 years! In the first years of marriage, they lived in the Olney section of Philadelphia. They bought their first home on Wesleyan Road in Northeast Philly. Here they raised their first three children, Debbie, Glenn, and Wendy, in a neighborhood where they met many of their life-long friends. Three of their childhood friends lived on their street. Bill “Hack” Hollins (Charlie’s boyhood best friend), Carol Hollins and Joan Hoffer (Betty’s girlfriends) made living on Wesleyan Road all the more joyful.

In 1967, Betty and Charlie moved up Frankford Avenue to the “far away land” of Bensalem Township, Bucks County. Here they lived in the Brookwood section for the next 54 years, raising their three children until many years later when Beth arrived rather unexpectedly. The sense of community established by the original owners and their many children, and many grandchildren provided a loving and fun place to grow up.

The Winistorfer home was always open to everyone! The backyard swimming pool, Charlie at the grill, Betty’s welcoming ways were a staple throughout the decades. The Winistorfer’s tradition of hosting holiday picnics included families near and far, neighbors, and friends. Charlie’s witty tales, story-telling, and lengthy jokes were highlights at many a picnic. Dozens and dozens of people, young and old, look back fondly on those years.

E-A-G-L-E-S - Eagles! This cheer could be heard blocks away on many a football Sunday. Betty and Charlie were season ticket holders for over 50 years. Friends, hoagies, wins and losses were Sunday staples. Charlie’s love of sports and family extended to his children and grandchildren. He made it a priority to get to as many games as he could and enjoyed every minute.

Music and theater were also enjoyable aspects of their lives. Small community plays, years going to the Walnut Street Theater, and the occasional trip to a Broadway play added a lot to their lives.
Charlie and Betty looked forward to traveling with friends over the years. They visited many beautiful places including Hawaii, St. Thomas, Cancun, and Bermuda. Most notable were their trips to the western part of our country. One of the biggest thrills of their lives was a trip to Europe to celebrate Charlies’ retirement and their anniversary.

After a long career as a design engineer, Jules turned his story telling talents to writing. He was a member of a Bucks County writers’ group for several years leading up to two self-published novels and two collections of short stories.

It’s hard to capture 89 years of a full life. However, a few thoughts do come to mind - a man who loved simple pleasures like tinkering in his garage, reading a good book, walking in Pennypack Park with his favorite dog Jasmine, and making up silly nick-names for his children. But most of all, he’ll be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a devoted husband to his dear Betty, his best friend.