Amenia mourns death of Councilman Paul Winters

AMENIA — The flag at the Town Hall flies at half-staff to honor the memory of Town Board member Paul Winters, who died suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 16, at the age of 52. His active involvement in a variety of town programs made news of his death a town-wide shock.

In early January, Winters had announced his candidacy for the office of Town Supervisor, having been nominated by the Republican Town Committee.

During the official Town Board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20, town officials offered reflections on the myriad ways that Winters had served the town that he cared deeply about.

“Paul is irreplaceable,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, remembering his “large personality.” He recalled Winters’ volunteerism on behalf of the Recreation Commission. Although Blackman conceded that he and Winters often differed in views about town issues, Blackman said, “We were friends when we left the room.”

Councilperson Rosanna Hamm also acknowledged that she and Winters often differed. “He could leave things in the meeting room,” she said, remembering Winters’ deep pride in his family and his abiding concern for the interests of the community.

“We will miss him,” Hamm said of Winters.

“He was so many things,” councilperson Brad Rebillard observed. “His spirit remains and what he did for the town will remain.”

Recalling that she and Winters had first met when serving on the Recreation Commission, councilmember Nicole Ahearn sensed a hole that Winters’ death has left in the community’s very heart.

“I hope to help by keeping alive and completing the work that Paul envisioned on behalf of the town of Amenia,” Ahearn said.
Reflecting on Winters’ service to the Recreation Commission, recently appointed Recreation Supervisor Paul Bogin provided some comments on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

“To say Paul Winters will be missed is a profound understatement. He was a force of nature, a man with visionary ideas and an even greater personality,” Bogin said, adding, “Paul’s impact on Amenia is undeniable, particularly in bringing us the cherished summer concert series and the beloved Parade of Lights, where his legendary annual portrayal of the Grinch brought so much joy.”

“As the new Amenia Recreation Supervisor, I was immediately struck by Paul’s warmth and generosity. His insightful guidance and unwavering commitment to open communication spoke volumes about his character. He was a truly remarkable individual,” Bogin said.

Winters won election to the Town Board and began his service in January of 2024.

Between 2021 and 2024 Winters had concurrently served on two town committees, the Recreation Commission and the Wastewater Committee.

Volunteer service positions had included ten years, beginning in 2010, of coaching youngsters on the Amenia Minors Little League baseball team.

In an official notice from the town, Blackman noted the high level of Winters’ involvement with town-wide interests. “He put enormous energy into all his efforts for Amenia — recreation, cannabis, term limits, and always supported the big change-making projects — highway garage, water, wastewater & housing. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Michelle, and his children. He’ll be missed,” Blackman said.