Paul Bennett Winkler

Paul Bennett Winkler was born to Phyllis Brilliant Winkler and Charles Winkler on September 30, 1969, in Chicago.  Paul lived his early childhood in a suburb of Chicago called Glenview until the family moved to Las Vegas  in 1978.   He also lived briefly in Los Angeles with his father,  where he attended summer school,  and returned to Las Vegas as a young adult.  

Between ages 8-18,  Paul raced bicycles on velodrome tracks.  He and his father both enjoyed bicycle racing on Thursday nights in Northbrook, Illinois.   It was a family event for us all to cheer him on. He was even photographed on his bike for our local newspaper, the Glenview Times and he was so proud of being on the cover.  As a kid, he also loved skiing and skateboarding, anything with wheels. That didn't stop when he got older, his love for dirt biking, ATV riding and love of cars continued into adulthood.

In Las Vegas, Paulie  worked in Fine Dining at some of the swankiest restaurants in town. Nobu and Mortoni's, both at the Hard Rock Hotel, Bali Hai and Mastro's as well as Bouchon and most recently at Strip House. He was top server at STK, the hottest and busiest restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. He made many connections throughout the years, which offered so many business opportunities.   Paulie received sales job offers from his guests so often, he was always in demand for his charming personality and go-get-em attitude.   He had many loyal guests over the years that would follow him to wherever he worked.  His dedication to those relationships ventured to long lasting friendships outside of the restaurant. Paul had so many friends and was loved by many.    

He was a great chef, both in the kitchen and on the grill. He also loved entertaining, hosting many holiday meals.  Our fondest memories of him are when he would come over and have a meal with us.  His hobbies included gardening, playing tennis and lunch with his many friends.

 Paulie was a real dreamer!  He was always coming up with new ideas, new businesses,  and new restaurant adventures.  He loved the wheeling and dealing!  He called it "making money moves!"

Family was important to Paul and he loved us so much.  Whether it was a road trip to California to visit our Dad and his longtime partner, Annie or opening his home for everyone to come together.  Paulie always wanted to be surrounded by his loving family.   He helped us in so many ways, paid for   health insurance, cell phones, car washes.  He even took time off work to care for his sister Merle in Oregon after her many surgeries.  As a younger sibling and the only boy, he definitely took advantage of annoying his sisters at any chance he could get.  

His sisters will miss him dearly.  Merle will miss his  5 am phone calls and conversation.  Ruth will miss him randomly showing up at her work and asking "Where's the food?"

He loved to be spontaneous and travel.  He'd just hop on a flight and go.  Anywhere.   Always up for an adventure.  He loved the beaches in Hawaii, Oregon and California, and dining at the finest restaurants in Napa, New York and Japan.   He loved going to Pittsburgh Steelers games in Pittsburgh.

Paulie was a loving man and enjoyed being in a relationship.  He loved hard and he loved deeply.  His sweet disposition and generous personality left a lasting impression on the women in his life, all of which are here with us today.    

Paul is survived by his father Chuck, Annie, his sisters Merle and Ruth, ex wives Christina, Melissa, Sarah and his girlfriend, Janie.  His loss was a great shock to us all, but we know he is now at peace.  

 He took way too many selfies and now we are grateful that we have so many pictures of him, smiling his sweet smile.