Keith A. Winchell

Keith Allen Winchell, 62, passed away peacefully at his home in Floral City, Florida, on April 14, 2025, surrounded by love from his wife Diane and beloved dogs, Katie and Chloe.

Born on February 22, 1963, in Fort Benning, GA, Keith was the son of Barbara Winchell (The Villages, FL) and the late Alastair Winchell. He is survived by his daughter Kaitlyn Winchell and Antonio Ruiz (Maybrook, NY), and his adored grandson Devin Boyer; his son Ian Winchell and wife Nicole (Wappingers Falls, NY), and precious granddaughter Harper; and his lifetime friend and brother Rodney Winchell, his wife Heidi, nephew Kyle, niece Kasey, and their children. He also leaves behind stepdaughters Hanna and Emma Strauss and many devoted in-laws and fellow Tampa Lightning fans.

A 1981 graduate of Valley Central High School, Keith lived a life of service. He joined the U.S. Air Force as an Intelligence Officer, serving during the Iran and Afghanistan wars, and later worked with the National Guard Fire Department at Stewart Airport. After military retirement, he pursued both culinary training at the James Beard School and law enforcement at the NYPD Police Academy. He graduated from the academy and became a motorcycle officer in the Bronx in 2000. Keith also played a key role in the 9/11 Ground Zero cleanup efforts. In 2007, a devastating on-duty accident left him paralyzed, but he continued to serve, mentoring fellow injured officers. In recognition of his dedication, he was promoted to Detective nine years later.

After retiring to Florida, Keith embraced life through hunting, fishing, kayaking in the U.S. and Africa, and racing customized bikes nationwide. In his final years Keith studied stand-up comedy, the gift he shared with others his entire life, making others laugh and smile!

In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith’s memory can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Joey’s Foundation.

Services will be held at Heinz Funeral Home in Inverness, FL, with additional services in New York at later date.