John E. Windsor

John E. Windsor, 80, a longtime Norwich resident and well-known math educator passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Born on March 15, 1941, in Gloversville, NY, John was the son of G. Raymond and Helena (Watt) Windsor. He was a graduate of Johnstown High School in 1959 and then attended SUNY Oneonta where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics. John took a position with the Norwich City School District where he would meet his future loving wife, Bernadine “Bernie” Ardiere, who had recently been hired as a business teacher in Norwich High School.

John and Bernie were married on August 22, 1964, in Forty Fort, PA. Together, they then designed and built their future home on Fuller Road in Norwich that has been the focal point for raising their two children and countless gatherings for family and friends.

From the beginning of the Bernie Windsor Dancentre in 1978, John was the construction man, custodian, caretaker, set builder, and back stage manager. They purchased and transformed the Ward School No. 4 on Birdsall Street that would serve the community for thousands of students. John would later spend over a year to renovate the lower level of the building that would become the home of House of Windsor Bridals.
John retired after 33 years of teaching mathematics in both the Norwich Middle and High Schools. He was president of the Norwich Educators Organization (NEO), and he and Bernie were on the very first teacher negotiations team in the district. He was a founder, president, and vice-president of the Bullthistle Model Railroad Museum in Norwich. John was Trustee chair and later treasurer of the Trustees, and served on the investment committee of the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich. Over the years he was: a licensed Master Electrician, Director of Chenango County Emergency Management, Norwich Town Supervisor, a member of the Kiwanis Club, an Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, and a ham radio operator. More recently, John spent several days a week at the Chenango Valley Adult Enrichment Center doing crafts and activities. Thank you to Bonnie Lamb and Netta Arts. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. John was a dedicated family man with a kind heart towards everyone. He was a gentle man.
In addition to his loving wife, John is survived by his children, Jason (Lucille) Windsor, of Slingerlands, NY, and Jonelle “Bo” (Robert) Daviau, of New Freedom, PA; grandchildren, Nicholas Windsor, Elliana Windsor, Ethan Daviau, and Greyson Daviau.

The family wishes to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County and RN, Nidia Rojas, and LPNs Kelly Abbuhl and Stacy Gever-Corbin for making it possible for John to be in his home with his family. The family also thanks the wonderful caregivers who assisted Bernie around the clock: Tracy Ward, May Enright, Marie Higgie, Kim Gray, Maggie Koterba, and Tanya DeLee.

Friends are invited to call at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad Street, Norwich on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. A service will immediately follow with Mary Rublee, pastor, officiating. The wearing of face coverings is required by all. Contributions in John’s memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court Street, Norwich, NY 13815, the Broad Street United Methodist Church Steeple/Roof Fund, 74 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815, or to the Bullthistle Model Railroad Museum, 33 Rexford Street, Norwich, NY 13815.