Stephen Winarick

Stephen Ira Winarick, 75, of Waco, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, followed by a visitation with the family. Steve was born on March 23, 1942, to Ro and George Winarick in Brooklyn, New York. When he was six years old, they moved to Teaneck, New Jersey. After graduating from Teaneck High School, he attended Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, until family health matters brought him back to New Jersey, where he finished his college undergraduate work at Fairleigh Dickenson University. On September 6, 1968, he met the love of his life, Roberta; they were married June 28, 1969, and lived in Fort Lee, New Jersey. At that time Steve was working as a stock broker. Shortly after they married, he decided to go back to school to become a podiatrist. He attended The New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was elected class president. To finance his education, he worked construction on the elevator shafts of the World Trade Center and drove a taxi in New York City. During those years in podiatry school, his daughter, Sheryl, was born. When he graduated in 1974, they moved to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, to practice podiatry as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. During this time, his son Brian was born. In 1976, the family moved to Waco, where Steve set up his podiatry practice with an office in Waco and one in Temple. He retired in 2000, enabling him to actively pursue many hobbies, like golf, poker, sculpting and travel. His main happiness came from being around his family: his mom, Ro, wife, Roberta, daughter, Sheryl, son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Wendy, and his two most loving grandchildren, Maggie and Philip. When Sheryl and Brian were young, he coached their sports teams. Throughout their lives, and with Maggie and Philip, too, he never missed a game or school event. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren for their beautiful values and many accomplishments. His family made his life complete and his greatest moments were when he was surrounded by the love, laughter, and joy that abounded when they were together. He was a fabulous husband, son, dad and Baba. His friends were many and get-togethers were frequent. Steve was the life of the party, famous for telling stories and jokes. He was a best friend to so many people: his son, Brian, and to some who were more like brothers than friends, Harry Harelik, Melvin Lipsitz. Monday nights were always poker nights in the 'man-cave' he built. The long-standing game began in the 1980s and continued through the years with Farley, Mike, John, Terry, Bill, Serge, Richard, Howard, Robert, Brian, Larry and Louis. Their famous saying was, 'People may come and go, but Monday night is always poker!' Other wonderful friends were Larry, Nino, Dennis, Hsiuhua and Naru, and so many more. Steve kept himself busy creating things. He discovered a natural artistic talent when he took up sculpting. His beautiful stone figures decorate the house. He also made wooden furniture, wine cork trivets, Lazy Susans and wall hangings, and he built many things in his backyard. Building, giving, and entertaining brought him great joy. His was a life well lived. Special thanks to Dr. Charles Stern, and to the Scott & White Hospice Team (Jose, Pam, and all the nurses, aides and social workers). Memorials may be made to Scott & White Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.