John E. "Big John" Winters, age 64, of New Albany, PA passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.  John was born on October 26, 1956 in Sayre, PA, the son of Virginia and Joseph Bell of Lake Carey, Pa.

While attending Wyalusing High School, John played football and participated in the shot put with the track and field team.  After graduating in 1976, he worked with Bell Brothers Well Drilling and then operated excavators and other heavy equipment for Jerry Johnson Stone before retiring in 2019.

John was very kind hearted and enjoyed helping people.  He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and being in the outdoors.  He shared that love and knowledge the outdoors with others while serving as the Boy Scout Leader for the Wyalusing Boy Scout Troop #96.  John annually played Santa Clause at Christmas gatherings for the American Legion Posts #510 in Black Walnut and #534 in Wyalusing.  He was good friends with coach Behrend and often helped with the Lasagna Run at the high school.  John was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Black Walnut.  He was a great father to his three children and loving PaPa to his five grandchildren.

Besides his parents, John is survived by his children, Lynn Murray of Spring Lake, PA, Amanda Winters of New Albany, PA, and John "Buck" Winters of New Albany, PA; grandchildren, Mia Noble of Springville, PA, Makenzie Shaffer of Laceyville, PA, Storm Shaffer of New Albany, PA, Brian Kingston Jr. of Spring Lake, PA, and Autumn Deremer of New Albany, PA; brother, Timothy Winters of New Albany, PA; and sister-in-law Wanda of Lakeland, FL.  John is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his brother, Mitchell C. Winters (d. September 21, 2020); his uncle, Vernon Canfield (d. January 31, 2021); his grandparents, Claude Canfield, Hazel Canfield, Joseph Bell, and Rosilyn Bell; and his sister-in-law, Cindy Winters.

A funeral service for John will be held on Friday, March 19, at 1:00 PM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, 155 Church St., Wyalusing PA with Reverend Dr. Barry Ballard of the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church officiating.  Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.  Interment will follow the service and take place at the Wyalusing Borough Cemetery.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, masks will be required to be worn inside of the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to John Winters II at 191 Winters Lane, New Albany, PA 18833 for the purchase of a cemetery monument.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com .