Harrison Winchester

Harrison Alston Winchester, a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend was called home to be with the Lord on February 4, 2025; at the miraculous age of 93. Harrison was born on January 20, 1932 in the country of Trinidad & Tobago, town of Carnbee, Tobago, to George and Matilda Winchester. Harrison was known to many as “Pops.” 

Harrison was the first of twelve children. Despite obstacles and life challenges in his childhood, that did not hinder Pops from becoming one of the greatest men to ever walk this earth. His childhood shaped him to become a strong, independent and astute individual.

Pops was educated in Tobago. Upon his graduation from high school, he was determined to find a path that would alleviate the life challenges he was encountering. As such, Pops relinquished his educational goals to pursue a career for a more stable life. As the eldest and devoted son, he made sure to provide consistent financial support to his mother from every paycheck.

At a young age, Pops migrated to the island of Trinidad to join the Police Department. Pops shared that he was the youngest member of the police force. Pops developed his professional career in the Police Department, until his retirement from the force as a Police Corporal. 

During his tenure at the police department, he met the love of his life, then Marjorie Stephen, now Marjorie Winchester of whom he married. The inside family joke is that Pops married Marjorie because back then, when Marjorie had long, straight black hair, he thought Marjorie was of a different race as to why he was attracted to her. Marjorie’s returned joke was that she married him because he was in a government job that would have a good pension. Whatever the reasoning was that brought Harrison & Marjorie together, it worked for a marriage of seventy years; one was never without the other, Harrison and Marjorie truly were the best of friends. Together, they had four children. Prior to the marriage, Pops had one daughter. In 1968, he immigrated to New York to pursue a better life for the family. Pops obtained employment at Montefiore Hospital in the security department. He retired in 1995 as the Chief Investigator of Security.

Harrison instilled in all of his children, the value of education and hard work. One of his final wishes was to see his last grandchild graduate from law school and become an attorney. By the Grace of God, Pops’ wish came to fruition, as he was able to travel to Philadelphia in May 2024 to attend the graduation, which was the last major family event. His strong desire was to also foster others to pursue their education. As a result of his leadership position at Montefiore Hospital, he allowed many employees to adjust their schedules to continue their career goals.

Harrison was a man who possessed integrity, character and a peacemaker. Two of his favorite quotes were, “simplicity, shines a man’s dignity” and “if you have nothing good to say about a person, do not say anything.” Pops was a man of few words, but when he did express himself, it was that of wisdom, knowledge and true meaning. Pops was an excellent husband who loved his family. He signified the true definition of decency. 

Pops faced a health challenge of a stroke, in August 2024, that left him disabled. However, he remained very resilient and stoic up until his last days. His strength, independence, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. He was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt by all who knew him. May he rest in peace and find comfort in God’s eternal kingdom!

Harrison leaves behind his wife, Marjorie Winchester. Children: Joy Winchester; Kerwyn Winchester ( Susan); Yvette Thompson ; Sherma Winchester-Penny, MD (Jeffrey); Lurlyn Winchester-Youngblood, Esq. (Carlton); Grandchildren: Tricia Winchester, Esq.; Jamal Thompson (Lauren); Taisha Davis (Joseph); Janelle Winchester; Eric Penny, MD; Nicholas Youngblood; Tiffani Youngblood, Esq.; Great grandchildren: Anthony Davis, Jordan Davis, Natalie Davis, Sophia Rodriguez and Stephanie Portillo. Siblings: George Winchester, Cecil Winchester, Lenox Winchester, Carlton Winchester, Lloyd Smith, Hollis Smith, Marilyn Odwin, a host of family and friends and his signature drink “WINCHESTER SPECIAL!”

“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant”