David "Dave" Winer

1937 - 2021

Haddam - David "Dave" Winer of Haddam, former Dean of Students at Trinity College in Hartford, passed away unexpectedly from complications of cholangiocarcinoma Nov. 26, 2021. He was 84. Dave was born Aug. 3, 1937, in Nashua, N.H., to Harry and Eva (Simon) Winer.

Dave leaves behind his wife of 40 years and the love of his life, Judith Watson Winer. Together they enjoyed spending time with their many friends and family. Dave and Judy were avid birdwatchers and enjoyed eating out and good conversation. Dave is also survived by his four stepchildren and their spouses: Stephen W. Lewis (Kristen) of South Windsor; Clifford A. Lewis (Libania) of Farmington; Gregg A. Lewis (Sierra Guynn) of Blacksburg, Va.; and Lauralyn Lewis of Old Lyme. He is also survived by his five step-grandchildren: Justin, Audrey, Eva, Charlie and Will who knew him as "Pop-Pop." In addition, he is survived by his many relatives and friends in the Winer, Watson, Muirhead and Gworek families.

After graduating from Nashua High School, David received his B.A. degree in psychology and philosophy in 1959 from the University of Vermont. He went on to earn his Ph.D. degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut in 1969. Dave devoted his professional life to Trinity College and its students. In his long and distinguished career there from 1966, until his retirement in 2004, Dave served in several roles including professor of psychology, chief student affairs officer and dean of students. As a professor, he published about 20 peer-reviewed articles. For 22 years, he was Trinity's Dean of Students, or the "Dean of Deans," as he was known among his peers in the small, private colleges across New England and New York. Dave was passionate about providing a willing ear and a caring heart to countless students and their parents, his colleagues and the communities where he lived and served. Dave was humbled to be recognized by the Trinity College Black Alumni Organization in 1996, for his work improving the quality of campus life for Black students over the many years he was at Trinity.

After his retirement from Trinity, Dave continued to be active in community service and higher education. He served on the board of trustees for the Old Lyme, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library for 12 years, and was president of the board for five years. He also provided consultation to prospective college students and their families and helped them navigate the sometimes daunting college admissions process. While living at Seabury Senior Living in Bloomfield, Dave continued to remain active and served on many boards and committees.

Dave was predeceased by his parents; his brother Robert Winer; and his sisters, Anne (Bleich), Judith (Brown) and Ruth (Misch).

The family would like to thank the caregivers in both the critical care unit and hospice unit at Middlesex Memorial Hospital in Middletown, for their care of Dave during his acute illness. His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the David and Judy Winer Scholarship Fund at Trinity College. The fund is used to provide need-based financial aid to qualified students. To donate, please contact Trinity's Advancement Office at 860-297-5149.

Please visit the Legacy.com memorial page and submit your memories or offer a tribute. A celebration of Dave's life will be planned for a future COVID-safe date.