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Jeffrey Winikoff Obituary

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Winikoff, a congenial jurist with a quick wit, has died. The 59-year-old who has served on the bench for six years suffered a massive heart attack last week, said Circuit Judge Timothy McCarthy. He died in a Boca Raton area hospital. Active in political affairs before he was elected to the bench in 2002 without opposition, he was known as the "Mayor of West Boca," McCarthy said. He served as president of the powerful West Boca Community Council where he made a name for himself as a watchdog for development in the sprawling suburban area. In private practice, he specialized in securities litigation. As a judge, he presided over complex civil trials. He snared headlines in a protracted legal fight between tennis phenoms Venus and Serena Williams and their father, Richard, and would be promoters who accused the Palm Beach Gardens family of breaching a contract for a planned battle of the sexes tennis tournament. He declared a mistrial in 2005, when he ruled that one of Richard Williams' attorneys asked an inappropriate question. The case was retried a year later and a jury found the tennis stars and their father, Richard Williams, owed the promoters nothing. He is well-known for his strong opinions and his ability to get a smile out of opponents. "We probably disagreed 50 percent of the time but I always left his office laughing," McCarthy said. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Published by The Palm Beach Post from Jun. 17 to Sep. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Winikoff

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168 Entries

Reynaldo Acosta

October 12, 2020

We met at CityPlace once, not too long before I left Florida for South Carolina. It was nice to have met him as he waited for his wife to finish her shopping. He and I were swapping jokes, mostly about judges and the court system. I have never had to appear before him. I wonder what it would have been like to have had to! I miss you, Judge!

Sara Jones

September 24, 2010

Dear Ellen. I was searching Facebook for you and Jeff and came across the obituary. I am so sad to see this. It has been so very long since we have been in contact. I have wonderful strong memories of you two and Phil Rosenberg and the fun we all had. Best wishes to you and the boys (men, now, I imagine). Sara Bennawy Schlichting Jones

Doris Kiser

February 4, 2009

Dear Ellen-

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Jeff was a great guy, and I was blessed to know you both, albeit for such a short time. Much love, Doris.

Melody Rowlette

October 30, 2008

To Ellen, Ben and Sam:
I am truly sorry for your loss and wish you all peace. I worked for Jeffrey for 3 1/2 years at Stein, Rosenberg & Winikoff in the early 90s. I now have 23 years experience as a paralegal and I still feel Jeffrey was the most eloquent writer, wonderful friend and terrific boss! I kept in touch with him throughout the years and sent photos of my son after he became Judge Winikoff. I will miss him a lot.

Debbie Olszewski

October 23, 2008

Dear Mrs. Winikoff:

My husband and I just found out about the death of your husband and are greatly saddened. Judge Winikoff presided over our case. We were his first Personal Injury case. He was a fair and intelligent Judge that really cared about the case. I met you and his parents briefly because you came to our trial the day I was testifying. He was very kind to me as I was terrified to get up and testify. I am glad to say we won our case. After the trial was over he shared a very funny story with us about going to Rome.
We really cared about him because he cared about the people who appeared before him. He showed us what a real Judge is like. It is a shame more Judges aren't like him.
He truly was a great man, Judge and person. The world will be much dimmer since he is gone May God bless you and your family and may He give you peace in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Debbie & Joe Olszewski

alison horvit

July 13, 2008

Ellen,
Rita sent me the sad news of Jeffey's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Love,
Alison (Rubin) Horvitz

Jayne (Bauman) de Gant

July 8, 2008

I'll always remember Jeff as my special next door neighbor - friends with my sisters but always willing to spend time with me. Our condolences are with Jeff's family and friends.

Deborah Klar

June 30, 2008

Dear Ellen, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your children. Jeff was a wonderful giving person. I regret having lost touch with both of you over the years. I hope the long-term love you and Jeff shared will give you great comfort in the future.

Audrey and Randy Sandford

June 29, 2008

Dear Aunt Fran, Uncle Doug, Ellen, Ben and Sam,
Little did I know how admired and loved is my big cousin Jeff. He will always be known as a great man of wisdom, wit and influence. Jeff's last words to me at Dad's Bar Mitzvah in April were, "How are you, good?" He will be greatly missed.
With all our love and prayers of comfort -
Audrey and Randy

Ann Donovan

June 26, 2008

My Dear Friend Ellen,
I am thinking of you and hope the wonderful memories you shared together with God's help will get you though this time. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Much love,

Mark Bogen

June 25, 2008

A wonderful person, a true professional and a gift to the community. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

David Zisser

June 25, 2008

To the Winikoff Family,
Jeff and I go back to junior high school, and our paths crossed again years later when we both worked at the SEC. Look up "mensch" in the dictionary and his picture should appear. My condolences.

Jill Denoff

June 24, 2008

Dear Ellen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that Jeff touched so many lives. Hold tight to the memories.

Steven Reiss

June 24, 2008

To the Winikoff family,
So sorry to learn of your loss. The legal community lost a great judge last week. I appeared before Jeffrey Winikoff many times and he was my absolute favorite. He always tried to seek the truth and guide the lawyers in the right direction. He complimented lawyers when they did a good job and straightened them out when they didn't. It was an honor to know him.

Deborah Ardizzone

June 24, 2008

Dear Ellen,

I was so shocked to hear of Judge Winikoff's death. I met him at one of our Book Fairs at Sunrise Park. He was so pleasant and kind-he seemed to have a twinkle in his eyes when he spoke to you. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Janice Harris

June 24, 2008

Sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Gail Beckenhauer

June 24, 2008

Dearest Ellen, Ben and Sam,
We're so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. I only met Jeff one time. It was at your home when we were discussing college roomates. I remember him having a great sense of humor just shortly after his major surgery. He was such a knowledgeble man, could talk about anything. However, nothing made him more happy than talking about his family. It was obvious that his family meant the world to him. Ryan's fondest memory was when Jeff showed up just in time to get the boys out of a ticket they were about to receive on their way to Orlando. That came with a stern lecture Ryan will never forget. Although Jeff will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew him, I hope you can find comfort in knowing he is at peace. With deepest sympathy,
The Beckenhauer Family
Gail, Ron, Ryan, Danny and Brett

Tami Shaffer

June 24, 2008

Dear Ellen and family,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you in this time of sadness.
Tami Shaffer

Audrey G Hariton

June 23, 2008

So very sorry for your loss.

Jack Lippman

June 23, 2008

I've known Jeff for 30 plus years. What a great guy to just sit around and talk to. I will always remember the kind words and friendship that was extended. My condolences to the family.

Cherieann Laudisi (Wachter)

June 23, 2008

Dear Winikoff Family,

I would like to send along my sincere sympathy for the loss of Jeffrey. My name is Cherieann and I worked in the firm of Stein, Rosenberg & Winikoff back in 1988 as a paralegal from New York. I am Jeanne and Jane's neice. He was always so funny and compassionate. A very warm and friendly man, always had the words to say and the shoulder to listen. I hope fond memories of him will last for you all forever. He was a mentor for me when I began in the field of law. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Paul Manoff

June 23, 2008

To the Winikoff family: I was Jeff's childhood friend, particularly when he was about 11-12. I am awful proud to see the kind of man he grew up to be.All of you(hello Fran and Doug) have my heartfelt condolences.

Jeffrey and Janelle Buxton

June 23, 2008

Our deepest condolences to the Winikoff family. We never met Jeff but I feel as though we knew him through my sister, Sally Buxton

Kim Miles

June 23, 2008

Ellen
My prayers are with you and the boys. I know your love and humor will help lessen the pain as time passes. Remember all the GREAT memories.

Howard Coates

June 21, 2008

Dear Winikoff Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.

Howard and Cheri Coates

Jane Brown

June 21, 2008

Dear Ellen,
I am so sad to learn of the death of your husband Jeff. Words seem so inappropriate at times like these. But, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.

With deepest sympathy,
Jane Brown
Scholastic Book Fairs

Joanne Strano/Brady

June 21, 2008

Ben,
I am so very sorry tohear of your loss. Stay strong and follow the path of your life your dad would be most proud of! Be strong, be proud of yourself! and most of all I will never forget how you and Spencer would make me laugh at the house, dont forget to laugh!!! Lots of love and prays to you. Joanne (Frank Bradys mom)

Jane Theberge

June 21, 2008

My sincere condolences to your family, Sincerely, Jane Theberge of Brighton Gardens

Carol & Bruce Levy

June 21, 2008

We would like to extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the entire Winikoff family on the untimely death of The Honorable Jeffrey Winikoff.

May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem at this most difficult time.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Janis Holden

June 20, 2008

My thoughts are with you, Ellen. I'm so sorry for your loss.

RED KURZMAN

June 20, 2008

JEFF,I WILL MISS THE SPORTS TALK,MUSIC TALK, REMEMBERING THE GIRLS FROM OUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS,POLOTICS,FAMILY, AND FRIENDSHIP WE SHARED YOU ARE THE MAN...IF THERE IS AN EVER AFTER....I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU .....LATER...RED

Circuit Civil Trial Clerks

June 20, 2008

On behalf of the Palm Beach County Circuit Civil Department we send our condolences to the family of Judge Winikoff. He will be dearly missed.

Lisa Rothstein

June 20, 2008

I knew Jeff very well through my folks, Ronald & Rhoda Goldman. He was referred to and will be remembered as "Part of our Family"

Lynn, Alan, Jared, Sam and Aaron Retteen

June 20, 2008

To Ellen, Ben and Sam
Heaven just gained a remarkable man. Our world will miss him deeply.
Love to all of you..

Connie Adkins

June 20, 2008

To The Winikoff Family,

I remember having coffee in your home late one evening when our sons were wanting to 'jam.' Now and then, when someone brings up Judge Winikoff's name, I relate the story about how much fun we had at your home and enjoyed your hospitality. We didn't know he was a judge at the time. Our thoughts are with you at this time.

The Adkins Family (Jeff, Connie, Jeffrey and Joseph)

Tresha Edwards

June 20, 2008

Mrs. Winikoff,

My thoughts are wiith you and your family. Stay strong.
Take care

Irene and Rick Stacy

June 20, 2008

Dear Winikoff Family,
Although I did not know Judge Winikoff personally, I thought very highly of him.
Sam and my son Matt have been friends for many years and Judge Winikoff was instrumental in my son getting accepted into college with his great letter of recommendation. I'm sure he will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Beverly Frasure

June 20, 2008

Ellen,

My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Take care.

Beverly Frasure

Rick Retamar

June 20, 2008

Our parayers go out to the Winikoff family. Judge Winikoff was a compassionate man, a witty jurist, and will be greatly missed by all. Palm Beach will miss a great Judge.

Bruce Goodman

June 20, 2008

Ellen.....even though it has been a very long time ago.....Jeff had alot of positive influence on my life.

Library staff: Linda Sims, Sara Jones, Pat Judge, Mekeisha Neil.

June 20, 2008

On behalf of the court law library we send our condolences to the family of Judge Winikoff. He was always supportive of the law library and he loved books. He will be dearly missed.

Harry Shevin

June 20, 2008

Judge Winikoff was a man that loved the law, he loved his job, and he always strived to do the right thing. He considered professionalism and courtesy a requirment, not a mere luxury. His intellect was equal to his amazing sense of humor. I wish his family well in this difficult time.

June 19, 2008

Phyllis Rodriguez (f/k/a Zohar)

June 19, 2008

Dear Ellen:
I was so shocked to hear from Jack that Jeffrey passed on. You may recall I was Jeff's secretary back in the mid 70's as a floater and then again full-time in 1990. Jeff was a gem of a man who I was proud to have known and worked with. I will never forget how he constantly talked about you and the boys. Our work day would always start out with "a quick story" about what the kids had done that week in school, at home and on the playing field, ending with "and my wife should really get all the credit here". May you and your entire family find peace in knowing that he was loved by all the lives he touched......his memory being kept alive in our hearts.

Samantha Kublin

June 19, 2008

Dear Mrs. Winikoff and family;
My family and I were so sorry to hear about your husband passing. It must be such a difficult thing to deal with but I hope you find strength in your family to help you heal. Remember the memories and keep that dear to you. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. I love you!
Love, Samathan Kublin (your student) and Family

marc baretz

June 19, 2008

Dear Ellen and family: When I received the sad news from one of Jeff's many friends I wrote "Jeff was a shining light,good spirit,kind thoughtful person who I am sure was a pleasure to appear before on the bench as he had the temperment and intellect for the vocation." Since then, I have read the many tributes to Jeff and see that opinion is shared by bench, bar and others . My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of this fine man who touched those who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace having lived a worthwhile life. marc

Barbara and Rodney Rien/Smith

June 19, 2008

Dear Ellen, Ben and Sam:
It has been a complete pleasure knowing Jeff. Rodney has so many fond memories of working closely with him for over 22 years on community and homeowner issues. I enjoyed the intellectually stimulating talks with Jeff and that "twinkle" in his eyes.
He has worked tirelessly for all of us ,and may he rest in peace.
Love, Barbara Rien and Rodney Smith

Bill Graham

June 19, 2008

To Ellen and the Winikoff family;
Thank you so much for sharing Jeffrey with all of us in public education. His commitment, involvement and caring attitude knew no earthly limits. Our fond memories will last forever. Jeffrey's passing is a great loss to all of Palm Beach County. His accomplishments and contributions are a legacy to be studied and emulated. Knowing him has been and will continue to be an inspiration for us all.

Joel Shapiro

June 19, 2008

You do not know me but I was Jeff's counselor at Blue Rill Day Camp when he was 13 years old. He was one of the finest campers I have ever had. I was just talking about him on Tuesday with another person who was in his group way back when. Althought I haven't seen Jeff in many, many years I did speak to him about 2 or 3 years ago. We had a lovely conversation (he was in chambers) and his baliff kept calling him to the bench and he yelled at the baliff: "Leave me alone. Do you know who I am talking to?" I am sure from reading the entries in this book that he grew to be as wonderful adult as he was a child. My heartfelt sympathies go to you and your family.

Julie Steinberg

June 19, 2008

Dear Sam,
We had our bar/bat mitzvah together on Feb 26, 2000, and I just wanted to let you know my family is thinking of you. We remember how wonderful and warm your father was, and we're here if you need anything.

Lisa Stein-Cohen

June 19, 2008

Dear Ellen,
It is with great sadness that I learned about Jeff's passing. As you may recall, you and he were at my kids' Bar & Bat Mitzvah a few years ago, and I was his paralegal for several years prior to his becoming a Judge. In the time I spent with him, I found him to be a caring, generous and able man in business who always spoke of you and the children with a gleem in his eye and with warmth in his heart. He will truly be missed.
I toast his life!

Mel & Hedy Singer

June 19, 2008

Ellen, Sam, Ben, Doug & Fran
With great sorrow we heard about Jeff's passing. My deepest sympathies are with you.

Susan MacMillan

June 19, 2008

Ellen,Sam & Ben,
I'm so very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. You've been in my thoughts since I heard the sad news. Remember the great memories he's left with all of you, and what a great man he was.

Scott Smith

June 19, 2008

Mrs. Winikoff and sons: I had the great fortune of trying a 4 day case before your husband and father about 7 months ago. I gained an incredible amount of respect for him during that time period. He gave all of us a very fair trial and did so with respect and a wonderful demeanor. Yet, my best memory of the Judge came during a somewhat rudimentary 8:45 hearing about 4 months ago. On that day I had some choice words for the defense attorney near the elevators following the hearing because I thought he was much less than forthright before Judge Winikoff. I told him that I was going to beat him soundly at trial and give it good to his experts on cross exam. Well, this particular attorney decided to rush back to Judge Winikoff's courtroom and barge in announcing what I had just said. Reluctantly and with a high sense of nervousness, I followed the lawyer back to the courtroom for fear of what he might say to the Judge. He anounced to the Judge what I had said without embellishing too much. When he was done, the Judge looked at me strongly, told me to never threaten anyone with such banter again and to leave the bravado at home or the office. The admonishment was well-deserved and well taken. Judge Winikoff than looked at the other lawyer and said something I will never forget: "Mr. Doe, you are correct that Mr. Smith should not have said those things or tried to intimidate you, however, don't you ever come running back to me like your Daddy with such an issue ever again. Now both of you get out of here and come back next time prepared to act like professionals and gentleman." Your husband and Dad was a very good man and great jurist. I already miss him greatly.

Gail Pickholz

June 19, 2008

I wish you strength, peace and ease during this difficult time. I have fond memories of cousin Jeff and I playing at our grandparent's apartment in the Bronx.We were usually up to some antic or another. He will be greatly missed.

Arielle

June 19, 2008

Ellen, Sam & Ben,
I have many family memories from sitting at my grandparents' house with you all when I was young. He was always great entertainment. I'm sorry I won't be able to be there for the services, but my mom will be there. My deepest condolences to you; you are in my prayers.

Susan Kent

June 18, 2008

Ellen: I never met you or your family but had the privilege of practicing in front of Judge Winikoff for years. Your husband was a fair, exceptionally bright and compassionate and I really enjoyed appearing in front of him. He enjoyed a well deserved reputation as one of our finest judges and he will be missed by the Bar. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with him be of comfort to you.

Lois Wiley

June 18, 2008

Ellen,
I was so sad to read the news of Jeff's passing. My heart goes out to you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan Nyman

June 18, 2008

Ellen
How can I forget the man who gave me the best Boston driving experience of my life. My deepest sympathies are with you and the boys. I will always have a place in my heart for Jeff.

Renee

June 18, 2008

Dear Ellen, Sam & Ben,
Our deepest sympathies to you all. Jeff was a great man, judge and community leader. He will be truly missed.
Your friends at Party S'more of Boca
Cele, David, Renee, Ali & Jan

Cindy Rudy

June 18, 2008

Dear Ellen,
I never met you or your family, but your husband was my favorite judge. I can only imagine the loss you must feel. But I want you to know that he has left an indelible mark on heart. He was a mentor, a friend, and a sincere and just jurist. He often spoke of you, and how lucky he was to have you in his life. We spoke about parenting and children, Judaism, litigation, and life in general. He was inspirational, and made me want to be a better lawyer. Two years ago I had a debilitating incident in my life. Your Husband was very supportive and offered me help when I was down. I feel very deeply about his loss, and offer you my support to help you through this. Jeffery Winnikoff was a fine man, and I hope your memories of him will be a comfort to you during this time of sorrow.
Sincerely Cindy.

Michele Smith

June 18, 2008

Dear Ellen,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Ben and Sam, I am equally sorry for the loss of your dad. I miss you Judge Winikoff.
Michele

Leighton and Susan Michael

June 18, 2008

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.

Susan & John Mervine

June 18, 2008

Ellen,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Jeff was a wonderful, intelligent, and witty person who will be missed. My thoughts are with you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Robert LaFramenta

June 18, 2008

Dear Ellen,
I was saddened to learn of Jeffrey's untimely passing. Jeffrey and I were colleagues at the SEC in the late 70's. Thinking back to those times, I recall his intelligence, kind nature and sense of humor. As is obvious from the many accolades written in his memory, his was a life well lived. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Mike & April Carr

June 18, 2008

Though we only just met him a few short months ago, this wonderful, gentle soul made such an impact on both our lives. Thank you Jeff for your love, kindness and "tell it like it is" wisdom. It was a true joy, a great honor and absolutely refreshing getting to know you and your wonderful family.
Love, Mike & April Carr

FRANK Goldstein

June 18, 2008

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE WINIKOFF FAMILY


FROM,
FRANK GOLDSTEIN AT
GOLDSTEIN LAW GROUP

Ellen Goldman

June 18, 2008

Ellen,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I will remember Jeffrey's wit, warmth and kindness. May he rest in peace.

Linda Obucina

June 18, 2008

Ellen, Ben and Sam,
I just heard about your recent loss, please accept our deepest and heartfelt sympathy in this time of sadness. You and your sons will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Linda and Joseph Obucina

Brian Thompson

June 18, 2008

I had the pleasure of serving the Circuit and County Judges as a law clerk earlier this decade. I especially enjoyed working with Judge Winikoff. After I heard about his passing, I found myself recalling many of our past conversations. He was thoughtful regarding all of his decisions, courteous to all, and he cared about doing his job well. Palm Beach County was blessed having him serve as a Circuit Judge. I only wish he could have been here longer. My thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be missed.

Joyce Salomon

June 18, 2008

Ellen,
You probably don't remember me, but my daughter Tara Schwitzman was in Sam's class at the JCC pre-school...a lifetime ago. I just wanted to extended my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Mark Hariton

June 18, 2008

As President of a condo in Fort Lauderdale I worked closely with Jeffrey. He was a great lawyer and a truly wonderful human being...a true mench.

Spencer Hennigar

June 18, 2008

Ellen, Ben, and Sam,

Throughout my friendship with your family, Jeff always felt like a father to me. I have very fond memories of him and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you know.

Lee Walker

June 18, 2008

I am a court reporter who had the honor of working with Judge Winikoff for several years. Judge Winikoff had the respect of many in the community. All the banter amongst attorneys was always positive when it came to discussing Judge Winikoff. He will be sorely missed.

Debra Jenks

June 18, 2008

Jeff will be missed as a judge and a friend.

Diana Lewis

June 18, 2008

Dear Ellen, We miss Jeff terribly. His wit, his counsel and "tell it like it is" attitude will be remembered fondly. He loved his job. Personally, I will especially miss Jeff's support and advice especially in the next few months. Please let your family know how sorry I am for their loss. If there is anything I can do for you or your family please do not hesitate to ask. Fondly, Diana

Marilyn Cane

June 18, 2008

I shall miss Jeff so very much. He had keen insight and great humor. My sympathy to his entire family.

Mindy (Zuckerman) Milliron

June 18, 2008

Jeffrey was always "Jeffrey" never "Jeff" to me. And while it may have been over 40 years years ago, I remember him quite clearly as my favorite babysitter. I suspect that is not a role most of his colleagues have ever imagined him in.

My mental image of Jeffrey will always be the photo of him sprawled across the hodd of his taxi in Boston - a fun young man in the fun 1970s. Always happy and always entertaining. (I wish I had the photo to post here.)

What a sad loss for you, Ellen and all his family. I am thinking of you.

Mark Greenberg

June 18, 2008

My condolences to Judge Winnikoff's family. He was a great judge and a great person.

Gary Lefkowitz

June 18, 2008

Jeff and I were childhood pals in Spring Valley, NY. We went to school and played ball together. It was great to be able to renew our friendship in the early 1980's when he worked in Washington, DC. I am so sad to learn that he passed away - he was a truly great guy.

Hope Allan

June 18, 2008

Winikoff family:

I am a former JA who had the pleasure of working near Judge Winikoff. He was a wonderful Judge and person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dr. Ken Rosenblatt

June 18, 2008

Dear Ellen and Family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Jeff for many years. He always had a friendly comment and a pleasant smile for everyone. We will truly miss him.

Linda & Walt Lewis

June 18, 2008

Ellen,
It has always been 'Jeff and Ellen' - one and the same, steadfast and wonderfully constant. We'll treasure memories since our times together in Annapolis. We send you our heartfelt sympathy and offer prayers to support you. He will be missed as a very special person, father, community leader and our friend.

Richard Brodsky

June 18, 2008

To the Winikoff family,
You don't know me because I knew Jeff when he was a young pup (as was I) at the SEC. He struck me then as a compassionate and decent man as well as being a born stand-up comedian. Having reviewed the comments of others in this Guest Book, I see that he never changed. I wish he had had a longer life to enrich yours. I offer you my most sincere condolences.

Nathaniel Klitsberg

June 18, 2008

I had the privilege to appear in front of Judge Winikoff on many occasions when my practice brought me to Palm Beach County. He was a truly unique individual whose love of the law was apparent to all those that were in his courtroom. I always made it my practice to try to stop by his courtroom for a few minutes to listen to what was happeningbecause, more times than not, I would learn something from a comment he made or a question he asked. He made me a better lawyer and gave me a better understanding of what it means to be a jurist.

He will truly be missed.

Mary Beth St. George

June 18, 2008

Ellen, Ben and Sam-
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for strength and courage for you and that you are comforted by your memories of a loving husband and father.

LINDA RAMEY

June 18, 2008

DEAR ELLEN AND FAMILY I AM A HEARING IMPAIRED THAT AM SHOCKED TO HEAR ABOUT HIS PASSING.I THINK HE IS WONDERFUL PERSON WITH HIS CHALLENGE IN HIS DUTIES AS JUDGE WTH THESE LAWSUITS THAT I EVER HEARD. MY PRAYERS WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY HEARTBROKEN (TEARS). I KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED AND REMEMBERED. THE LEGACY LEAVES US IN HIM FOREVER.GOD ALWAYS IS WITH YOU AND FAMILY.

Bruce Harris

June 18, 2008

Ellen,
I've known you and Jeff for almost 20 years since I moved to Boca and it was a shock to hear of his passing. During the Conversation with Judge's program, I had lunch with him just a few weeks ago at the courthouse with a high school student who drilled him with questions about being a lawyer, and the Judge provided helpful information. His invocation ceremony when he became a judge was most inspirational. I will remember Jeff as the unofficial mayor of West Boca and his contributions to the community in that capapctiy and as a judge will not be forgotten. He had a deep commitment to improving the school system in Palm Beach County and participated on many committees and was a person I consulted while I served on the ABC boundary committee years ago.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Bruce

Steve Nichol

June 18, 2008

Dear Ellen,
It was my great pleasure to have known Jeff for as long as I did, going back to his days as a board member and president of the West Boca Community Council, then, obviously, as a judge. He exuded warmth and wit and really cared about the community he lived in and the people that comprise it. I last saw Jeff at the West Boca Council’s monthly meeting in May at Boca Lago. I was passing out my campaign literature and remember being so glad to see Jeff approaching the meeting room. He was dressed casually and wearing a flat cap of some kind. We exchanged light banter and he took a seat with you near the front. He seemed happy to be “Just Jeff” that night, even though everyone there obviously knew he was a judge. I hope there will be a lasting public recognition of Jeff, not unlike the Fran Reich Bridge that spans Florida’s Turnpike at Palmetto Park Road. Jeff gave so much on so many fronts, including to education. Maybe either the new elementary school or the new county library west of Boca Raton would be appropriate to name after him. I hope someone is reading this. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and the boys.

Marc Dobin

June 18, 2008

I knew Jeff as my company's counsel , a colleague, a judge and, most of all, a friend. If I was in his courtroom, he always made sure to say hello to me from the bench. He was a good soul and will be sorely missed

Circuit Judge Martin Colin

June 17, 2008

Ellen. It is never easy losing a spouse but you should be comforted knowing that Jeff lived a wonderful life, on and off the bench, something the rest of us judges can only strive to do in his memory.

Tobi Perl

June 17, 2008

I had the honor and privilege of serving as a law clerk at the Fifteenth Circuit for over two years. During that time, Judge Winikoff proved to be one of the most kind-hearted and compassionate judges I met. Judge Winikoff and I shared war stories over our struggles with weight. His words of encouragement gave me the strength to get through one of the most difficult times of my life. Words could never express how incredibly fortunate I am to have known Judge Winikoff.

I last saw Judge Winikoff last week while I was presiding over traffic court. He waived hello to me from the back of the courtroom while he was on his way to first appearances. Needless to say, it brought a smile to my face. When I think of Judge Winikoff, I will only do so with a smile on my face.

Judge David Krathen

June 17, 2008

I met Jeff at the school for new judges following our election in different counties. I was immediately taken with his intellect, character and compassion. And what a friendly guy! Over the last six years, I always sought Jeff out to say hello. I will miss him. Jeff's demeanor and intellect are the finest examples for anyone who may aspire to be appointed to serve in his stead.

Lynda (Goldberg) Goldman

June 17, 2008

Dear Ellen: Although I have never met you or Judge Winikoff, you served with my mother on the Palm Beach County Library Advisory Board and you and Judge Winikoff have always been close friends of my boss and her husband. Indeed this is a small world. Judge Winikoff always made me smile each and every time he called after a long day on the bench to say a friendly hello to my boss…his old time law school friend. I will truly miss not hearing Judge Winikoff’s warm and friendly voice, as I know you, his family and this whole County will. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

denise and Michael Slomak

June 17, 2008

Ellen,
We are so sorry to hear about Jeff. We'll never forget his warmth and humor. Our deepest sympathies are with you and the kids and we wish you peace.

Adam & Allison Sabocik

June 17, 2008

We both had the honor of serving as Judge Winikoff's law clerks, and are better lawyers now because of our experience with him. Judge Winikoff was a kind, knowledgeable, and passionate man who always took extra time to offer his advice. We have too many wonderful memories to share here, but what we will remember most was his great sense of humor. He was our mentor and our friend, and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with his family.

Debra Duran-Bornstein

June 17, 2008

I had the pleasure of working with Judge Winikoff as a court reporter. He was always one of our (collectively) favorite judges and could always count on him for his courtesy, intellect and great wit.

My prayers to his family.... he will be greatly missed.

Staci, Chuck, Tori and Jordan Keller

June 17, 2008

Dear Ellen, Sam and Ben,
Words cannot express how sorry we are. He was a wonderful man and we will hold our memories of him near to our hearts. Our thoughts are with you now and always.

Judge Cory J. Ciklin

June 17, 2008

Since the first time I met my friend in 1994, I knew he was a very special person. A true gentleman. A person of his word. A good and decent man. Here's looking up at you, Jeff!

Christine Maurer

June 17, 2008

Ellen -
I was deeply saddened to hear about Jeff. You, Sam and Ben are in our thoughts and prayers.

THE MAURER FAMILY

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