Gene S. Winter

Gene S. Winter, adoring husband, devoted father and grandfather, cherished friend, and consummate professional, died suddenly on Sunday, May 14th at the age of 73, following a weekend spent with family and friends doing the things he loved most. Predeceased by his parents Sidney and Mary Winter, Gene leaves his devoted wife Nancy of 47 years, his son Matthew and his girlfriend Victoria, and his son Jonathan and his wife Rebecca and their three children Sam, Sophie, and Charlie. In addition, he is survived by his brother Bruce Winter and sister Audrey Winter.

An active member of the New Haven community that he treasured, Gene was a member of the Boards of the Eli Whitney Museum, Cancer Care, and the New Haven Lawn Club where he enjoyed time in the pool, on the tennis courts, and in the dining room, always surrounded by friends and family.  He was passionate about Paris, Salsa dancing, fine wines, gourmet food, and politics. Gene reveled in sharing his travels with Nancy to exotic destinations where cultural expeditions were at the core. His treasured corner of the world is a small hamlet on the island of Virgin Gorda known as Guavaberry Spring Bay where he traveled every year with his family for over 40 years. Gene will forever have a place under the tamarind tree at Spring Bay, watching the magical sunsets and remembering time with friends and watching his children and grandchildren grow. Foremost was the enjoyment he felt attending his children’s sports games and playing his special game of “babycises” with his beloved grandchildren. Gene’s legacies abound, but those who knew and so loved him honor his passion for always living life to its fullest.

With degrees in Systems Engineering from UCLA (Summa Cum Laude: 1972) and Cornell Law School (1975), Gene was a Managing Partner of a prominent Stamford based law firm, St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC, where he specialized in intellectual property, and trademark and patent law. Gene managed patent and trademark portfolios for clients from individual inventors and small businesses to large international patent and trademark portfolios for publicly traded companies. Gene was also a seasoned trial attorney, defending against patent assertion entities, obtaining multi-million dollar jury verdicts and successfully arguing appeals in the Federal, Second and Ninth Circuits. Recognized for his acumen, adroit legal expertise, and as an exemplary legal and business strategist, Gene was past President of the Connecticut Patent Law Association.

Later in his life, Gene and his family started a theater production around Woof Woof, a character which Gene and Nancy helped create many years ago with their two sons. Gene would project a hand shadow puppet on the ceiling at bedtime and young Matthew and Jonathan would talk to Woof Woof, sharing all their excitements, fears and worries, knowing Dad was always listening and always loved them.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the scholarship funds at:

Jonathan and Matthew’s school, The Foote School – Foote Fund

or

His Grandson Sam’s school, The New Canaan Country School – Scholarship Fund

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 11:00AM at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave, New Haven CT.

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