John "Jack" Arthur Winieski

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Jack Winieski on July 9, 2025, at home surrounded by his family, at the age of 94. Born in Elmira, NY, to the late Max and Ida (Krolak) Winieski, Jack spent his life dedicated to his passions and the people around him.

   Many know him for his work with trees, but forestry wasn’t just Jack’s job—it was who he was. Over his 30-year career with the PA Bureau of Forestry, Jack shaped forest management and timber stand improvement practices in the Commonwealth. After retiring, Jack served as Executive Director of the Allegheny Chapter of the Society of American Foresters for 20 years. Outside of work, he inspired younger generations with his hands-on expertise and plainspoken  wisdom—whether as a visiting instructor at Penn State’s Mont Alto campus or through his leadership on the Project Learning Tree curriculum for elementary students. His work even took him to China, Sweden, Germany, and Poland. And while he never made it to the moon, he did get the unique chance to grow seeds that had been on a 1971 roundtrip lunar mission. With the students of Dillsburg Elementary, he planted one of those seedlings, known as a Moon Tree, at the edge of the school playground.

   But how many know that his calling was sparked during his military service on Iwo Jima during the Korean War (USAF, 1950–1954), where he observed the island’s natural reforestation and got his hands dirty transplanting palm trees?

    Jack’s passion extended to his backyard, where he propagated fruit and nut trees, notably his hickories. His efforts earned him awards at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, including “Best in Show” as recently of January 2025. Even his side hustles centered on trees—splitting and delivering firewood, tending and harvesting for local apple orchards, and cutting and selling Christmas trees for private growers and with the Dillsburg Jaycees.

     Jack’s talents didn’t stop at forestry. In a hometown celebrated as the "Glider Capital of the World," the allure of silent flight captivated him, and he took to the skies. As a tenor in his church choir, he met Alberta (“Bert”). Their shared joy for song created a loving bond that lasted through their 66 years of marriage. Bert’s cooking complemented Jack’s backyard garden harvests, and together they nurtured a growing, loving family of four children. Those on his family tree were shaped by his work ethic, boundless energy, and intent to leave things better than he found them. Whether he was cracking jokes or hickory nuts, Jack exuded a contagious enthusiasm that inspired anyone who was lucky enough to work alongside him.

     Jack also cared about his community. He served on the local PTA and Planning Commission for several years. His interest in local history and preservation led him to the role of President of NYCHAPS (Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society), where he oversaw restoration of the Maple Shade Barn and planted the Heritage Apple Orchard at the Dill Tavern. If you went to Dillsburg’s annual Farmer’s Fair or the PA Farm Show, you may have seen him judging nuts with that twinkle in his eye he always had when he was doing what he loved. He took on several roles at Farmer’s Fairs over the years, including MC for the children’s parade and judging nut entries. He planned and implemented fundraising efforts to support numerous community organizations and events.

     Whether sharing a seedling, a story, or a smile, Jack’s influence continues to grow in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

     Jack is survived by his beloved wife 66 years, Alberta (Bednarchik) Winieski; his children, Suzanne Matlock (Norman), Mark Winieski, Catherine Carter (Stephen), Julie Winieski (Mike); a sister, Margaret Cowulich (Roger); five grandchildren, Heather Glasby (Will), Stephen Simoni (Katrina), Jacki Polinka (Kyle), Martha Carter (Nate), Kyle Carter; one great-grandchild, Briony Glasby; and scores of loving nieces and nephews. 

     A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 310 Hertzler Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA. Visitations will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 6-8 pm at the Cocklin Funeral Home, Inc., 30 N. Chestnut St., Dillsburg, PA and on Wednesday prior to the service at the church from 10-11 am.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PA Nut Growers Association, 30 Sunshine La., Valley View, PA 17983; NYCHAPS, PO Box 340, Dillsburg, PA 17019; or the Hospice of Central PA; 1320 Linglestown Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17110.