Obituaries

Mr. Winter’s was, and will always be my favorite art teacher. I met him when I was in the second grade at Whittemore Elementary School, in Waltham, MA in 2004. Twenty years have gone by, and wished I went back to visit him. I remember tons of projects he had us do. We made Maracas out of plaster of paris, and paper mache. He taught us how to fold paper “hamburger style” or “hot dog style” when we were trying oragami. In the fourth grade he let us use model magic to make anything we wanted. I remember I made a brown dog, just like the german Shepard I had growing up. It looked like a piece of garbage. (What all the kids said to me) But Mr. Winter’s thought it was excellent. I was able to win an award for my art work in the second grade. He let us express ourselves in art class all the time. When he was being silly, we were silly. He was passionate about art and so were we. I remember he used to give out little velvet teddy bear’s to students every class (everyone got one) and he loved giving out prizes to us since they sparked a little bit of joy in one’s day. I never thought I would be sharing these memories on here, but Mr. Winter’s - you will be dearly missed by the children in Waltham who grew up taking your classes. Just know he’s made a lasting impact on not only me, but to all my childhood friends.

Posted by Cindy on May 9, 2024

Saddened to just learn of Sean's passing. We met at Trenton State College and both lived on Travers 10. So many great memories! No doubt that you are still having long chats with someone, are doing 2:00 AM 7-11 runs for slurpees, or are sketching something on a whim in heaven. Rest easy Sean.

Posted by Nancy (Schoeck) Nash on August 1, 2023

I met Sean at Trenton State College and stayed in touch over all these years. He was funny, talented, and a sweet guy. You will be missed, my friend!

Posted by Stephanie Gorman on July 30, 2023

Visiting Sean in his new place in 2009. He always loved the musical instruments! I'll miss you, my friend.

Posted by Stephanie Gorman on July 30, 2023

I am so devastated by the news of Sean's passing. I met Sean at Trenton State College, when we were freshmen and working on The Signal newspaper. We stayed friends for more than three decades and for that I'll be eternally grateful. He was a talented artist, a lover of music [especially the Stones and anything off the Nuggets compilations] books and guitars; and a dedicated teacher. He was such a kind and gentle soul and he will be deeply missed.

Posted by Valerie Shestakow on July 30, 2023

My heart was just broken when I heard the terribly sad news of Sean's passing. He was the sweetest and most gentle of souls. I had the great fortune of meeting Sean when I worked at the Fitzgerald elementary school many years ago and when I moved to the MacArthur school it was always such a treat when we would cross paths. Sean has left an indelible place in my heart that I will treasure and I just want to wish his family the deepest of condolences on their loss. Sean was such a bright light and although he is not with us in the physical sense, his light will still shine on. God Bless you and Keep you Sean. Peg Santana xoxo

Posted by Peg Santana on July 24, 2023

Our family was lucky enough to have Mr.Winters brighten the day for 2 of our boys for many years. We will cherish all of the pictures, handprints, and sculptures he helped them create. Thank you Sean for your dedication and generosity, Jacob and Deacon will miss you, as well as everyone else from Stanley!

Posted by Jennifer Jones on July 21, 2023

Sean was a wonderful, kind, and generous man. He was so encouraging to his students and they were always delighted to go to Art class. During Covid he helped me to secure Gingerbread books or my class using his connections at Barnes and Noble. He was so thoughtful and always had prizes for the kids! They loved his animal erasers. They loved their art projects and could not wait to show me what they had created at the end of class. He was a wonderful colleague and a good friend. I had the pleasure of working with Sean at Whittemore as well as Stanley. I count myself lucky to have worked with such a wonderful person, teacher and friend. I will miss him dearly as will the students at Stanley. He will be remembered with love and appreciation. Kathy

Posted by Kathy Grady on July 17, 2023

Sean was a wonderful colleague and art educator. We shared many interesting and funny conversations over the last several years that we worked together at Stanley. Most recently, Sean and I often discussed my own children's love of art and their creativity...and really me questioning where it came from lol, as we would laugh about this! Both of my boys had artwork selected for their own district's art show this past spring and Sean was so proud of their work, asking me to pass along messages to them. He also sent me home with homemade animal crayons and other items in the past to give to them. He was a quiet, caring man, and he truly loved what he did. He will surely be missed here at Stanley. Rest in Peace, Sean.

Posted by Erika Walther on July 17, 2023

Mr. Winters used to be my art teacher from 2011-2016. I miss him a lot . I was planning on going to see him since I’m going to graduate high school this year of 2024. I still remember the orange butterfly he made for me made from melted crayons to which I still have <3

Posted by Anonymous on July 16, 2023

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 16, 2023

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 16, 2023

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 16, 2023

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 16, 2023

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 16, 2023

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 16, 2023

Posted by Lori Hunt on July 15, 2023

Cute family photo 🙂

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 15, 2023

Posted by Lora Hunt on July 15, 2023

My brother Sean celebrating hi first birthday

Posted by Lori Hunt on July 15, 2023

Our dear nephew Sean with his little cousin Ashley displaying her artwork during his Christmas visit in 2007

Posted by Ellen W Bellamente on July 14, 2023

Sean's cousins , Caitlin & Ashley, enjoying his company and his wonderful sense of caring and love!

Posted by Ellen Winters Bellamente on July 14, 2023

Sean (on right) visiting and celebrating in Connecticut with family during Christmas 2009

Posted by Ellen Bellamente on July 14, 2023

Another pic, with Lili at the art reception

Posted by Samantha Lowe on July 13, 2023

I’m heartbroken 💔 to read the announcement today. My twins ADORE him and he has been so kind to Lili and Ally & supportive of their artwork for four years now. This is Lili hugging him at the recent art reception in May. She was so proud her work had been chosen. I don’t have the courage to tell them yet. As an art teacher myself I always enjoyed our conversations. What a loss to our community💔💔💔, and I send strength and love to his family. May peace & love surround you Mr. Winters. A deep bow of gratitude to you 🙏🏻💔

Posted by Samantha Lowe on July 13, 2023

The Waltham Community has certainly lost a kind and caring educator, colleague and friend. To the Winters Family, please know that so many of us share in your grief but are thankful to have had the opportunity to have known Sean. Sending you peace and hope during this very difficult time.

Posted by Jennifer Maksymiak on July 13, 2023

The drawings are from the First day of 3rd grade. Shayan’s favorite day was Friday because he had art with Mr. Winters. We are devastated 💔

Posted by Madina, Shayan and Rayyan’s mom on July 13, 2023

My heart is so heavy and so full of sadness.🥺 the community has lost a great educator, co worker, friend, and family member. You taught me how to live your passion, how to be creative, to believe in yourself, to love yourself and most importantly how to become the best version of yourself.💔 I was blessed to have you as 1 of my teachers for 5 wonderful years and I was honored to get the opportunity to work along side you for the last 6 months, which happened to be my first 6 months as an educator. You never failed to put a smile on my face, we shared laughter, and joy everyday. I will forever miss your big heart and personality. You are the teacher everyone will forever remember, I know you were mine. I hope I get to leave such a big impact on others like you did to me. RIP Mr. Sean winters

Posted by Madison Zanco on July 13, 2023

My heart is so heavy and so full of sadness.🥺 the community has lost a great educator, co worker, friend, and family member. You taught me how to live your passion, how to be creative, to believe in yourself, to love yourself and most importantly how to become the best version of yourself.💔 I was blessed to have you as 1 of my teachers for 5 wonderful years and I was honored to get the opportunity to work along side you for the last 6 months, which happened to be my first 6 months as an educator. You never failed to put a smile on my face, we shared laughter, and joy everyday. I will forever miss your big heart and personality. You are the teacher everyone will forever remember, I know you were mine. I hope I get to leave such a big impact on others like you did to me. RIP Mr. Sean Winters

Posted by Madison Zanco on July 13, 2023

My daughter was lucky enough to have been a current student of Mr.Winters and at the very end of this past school year he gifted her some of his art from the classroom. She is passing a few on to her friends who are equally devastated by this loss and will cherish her remaining pieces for a long time. She always had fun stories to tell us on art days. Rest in peace Mr.Winters. The Stanley School will miss you tremendously.

Posted by Erin Hire on July 13, 2023

My daughter was lucky enough to have been a current student of Mr.Winters and at the very end of this past school year he gifted her some of his art from the classroom. She is passing a few on to her friends who are equally devastated by this loss and will cherish her remaining pieces for a long time. She always had fun stories to tell us on art days. Rest in peace Mr.Winters. The Stanley School will miss you tremendously.

Posted by Erin Hire on July 13, 2023

My daughter Lydia was one of Mr. Winter's students at Stanley. Art was her favorite specialist. She loved Mr. Winters. Often she would skip recess to come help him organize and clean up the art room. She was always excited to hang out with him. And she would get off the bus saying "Mr. Winters let me play his guitar today at recess". I know him from volunteering at Stanley as a parent. He was always happy and enthusiastic about art and his students. Lydia is sad. He will be missed by so many. We are so fortunate to have had him as a teacher.

Posted by Lydia Gambale on July 13, 2023

Mr. Winters doing his thing! Playing his guitar and making the children happy dance!

Posted by Kimberly Cox on July 13, 2023

My son Nicholas is a student at Stanley. Last year when he was in Kindergarten, Nicholas came home humming a tune. I stopped and asked with much surprise and amusement, “Are you humming Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple?” Nicholas then went on to tell me, with such admiration and awe, about how Mr Winter’s would play his guitar for the kids during their art class. Nicholas loved it, and I thought it was pretty cool too. Sunshine of Your Love by Cream was another classic that Mr Winters would play and now another favorite of Nicholas’s. We will always remember Mr Winters and this wonderful, lasting impression/memory he gave us!

Posted by Christie Bilotto on July 13, 2023

Sean was a colleague and a friend. He was a good human being and, among other things, loved teaching art. We would talk in his room before school about education, family, music, and his love of books and coffee. The world was a better place because of Sean and I am joyful for those who knew him and learned from him and saddened for those who lost a teacher, colleague, friend, and family member.

Posted by Kasey Galligan on July 13, 2023

I was greatly saddened to hear of Sean's death. As a former Waltham principal, I became familiar with Sean as an Art Teacher when he was assigned to work at my building. I remember how hard Sean worked to prepare to meet the needs of students with significant disabilities and, as a result, our students had truly wonderful experiences in art. Sean was a supportive colleague who I could always count on a a member of the team. He will be missed.

Posted by Nadene Stein on July 13, 2023

It was a joy to be Mr. Winter’s colleague at Whittemore School from 2006-2011. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

Posted by Sabina Steede on July 12, 2023

My condolences to Mr.Winter’s family. May God be there through these hard days and heal you all. Prayers to you guys. - i hope this makes you smile- Sitting down in my kitchen as i paint a wooden jewelry box i got at Michaels, made me tear up thinking of Mr. Winters. You see, i had the honor to meet such an amazing soul. Mr. Winters was my art teacher through out Elementary school, but not only did i have him as an art teacher, he also had all my sisters: all 4 and my cousin! Mr. Winters, was and is a big part of who i am today as i share my joy and passion of art. He always inspired me to do more with my art. He always told me that he knew i had the potential to be more colorful and crazy and to express myself. Because of him, I continue my love of art through out my life. I went to culinary school and became a baker! Now, i might not be coloring and painting on paper but i am sure using my skills on edible art. You see, Mr. Winters made me realize that my specialty in art was bold colors and crazy designs. It sure worked and made me successful in being the cake decorator i am today. Even years later, i can say my sisters love art as much as i do and we love to paint and still do arts and crafts. Mr. Winters was more then a teacher to us, he was an inspiration and a great role model From the Marroquin Sisters- we will miss you! Rest in peace to the best art teacher! 🎨💙

Posted by Krista Marroquin on July 12, 2023

Eternal rest old friend and colleague. Your creativity and love of art and craftsmanship was a unique connection. Thanks for sharing your kindness and interest in collecting instruments. I’m still echoing your gentle redirection and sending students to “the land of no neighbors” to help them better focus on their work Sending prayers for you and your family. - Valerie Ma

Posted by Valerie Martin on July 12, 2023

Sean was a wonderful man who loved his job! At the Stanley Elementary school he was kind, compassionate and cared about his students. We are all better to have known and worked with Sean. Here is a picture of him with one of our Stanley Students, Evan Rita. Sean was presenting him with an art award. You can see the enthusiasm he exuded! He will truly be missed

Posted by Jennifer Hacker on July 12, 2023

Sean presenting Evan with his art award this spring.

Posted by John Rita on July 12, 2023