Maurice Charles Wintrode

Born 10/26/1923, in Parker, South Dakota. Father Harry O. Wintrode. Mother Elizabeth M. Fritz. Recorded American ancestry began in Philadelphia, PA on Oct. 11, 1702. As a boy growing up on the northern prairies of the USA during the 1930’s he roamed the hills with his dog. He witnessed and endured the great drought, the depression, the dust storms and the grasshopper (locust) plague. In high school he was an all-state middle distance runner. He became an accomplished jazz trumpet player – later touring the Midwest in the 40’s during the “big band” era. WW II interrupted his education. He participated in the US Army college program (ASTP), qualified for the US military Academy and medical school. Fought with the First Division (Big Red One) in the Battle of the Bulge with the 26th infantry regiment and with his battalion became a prisoner of war. Graduated from South Dakota State University and New York University (master’s degree). Married Muriel F. Jackson of Brooklyn, NY – a scholarship recipient from Bishop McDonald High School in Brooklyn, NY. Became a research scientist and authored numerous publications, including a study instrumental in the elimination of county government in Connecticut. Concluded professional career in 1972. Endowed two scholarships at South Dakota State University. In retirement enjoyed world travel, golfing, hunting, gardening and music. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Barbara Morris and her husband Frank of Northborough, MA, Janice Conboy and her husband Kevin of Tewksbury, NJ, Carol Maksimow and her husband Alex of Southbury, CT, Paul Wintrode and his wife Maria of Weston, FL; nine grandchildren, Steven, Michael, and Matthew Morris, Richard and Morgan Landy, Alexandra, Christine Maksimow, Lucas and Eric Wintrode; and his twin sister Maurine Henehen. He was predeceased by his siblings, Olive, Vivian, Charlotte, Ralph, Bernice, Erma, Marjorie, Virgil and Inez. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Burial will be in South Dakota. Calling hours are Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Donations in his memory may be made to the South Dakota State University Music Endowment Program. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Maurice Charles Wintrode

October 26, 1923 - March 11, 2014