Mark VanWinkle

Mark Van Winkle

AGE: 53 • Tavares, Fla.

Mark Van Winkle, 53, died Saturday, March 17, 2012 in Tavares, Fla. He was born in Long Branch, NJ, raised in Oceanport, NJ, and graduated from Shore Regional High School in West Long Branch, NJ. He worked for Douglas Whichello from the age of 17 at Doug's gas station in NJ, then Doug's Mobil station in Redondo Beach, Calif. until most currently in Historic Downtown Stuart for Doug's Repair & Service. He was an excellent auto, truck and marine mechanic.

Survivors include his mother, Sheila Van Winkle of Monmouth Beach, NJ; and his father, Marshall Van Winkle and his wife Brenda of North Carolina. He had 2 sisters, Wendy Flint of Texas, and Marsha Warner of PA; and a brother, Peter Van Winkle of Port Salerno, Fla. His daughter, Melissa McClanahan lives in CA and a son, William Van Winkle, also in CA. He was preceded in death by another brother, John Van Winkle.

He had only one passion in life - racing Jersey Skiffs, and all agree that Mark left this world in the only way he would have wanted. He will be sorely missed by many.

There will be a funeral Mass for family and friends at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14 at Precious Blood Church, Monmouth Beach, NJ with a reception at the CCD center behind the church. There is also a memorial Get Together with all the many people involved with the Jersey Speed Skiffs and vintage race boats, his many friends and the patrons from his workplace at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Doug's Repair & Service, Stuart, Fla., 772-485-1171. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Church of the Precious Blood, 72 Riverdale Ave., Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 or Maritime & Classic Boat Museum, P.O. Box 275, Jensen Beach, FL 34958, 772-692-1234, Director: Jody, www.mcbmfl.org.