Winston Brathwaite

A Life Lived Fully: Remembering Winston Brathwaite

Winston Brathwaite, a man of vibrant spirit and boundless energy, departed this world on March 30, 2025, in Willingboro, New Jersey. Born on July 1, 1941, in the bustling city of Colon, Panama, Winston's life was a testament to his love for family, adventure, and the simple joys of living. He was the cherished son of Mr. DeCosta and Mildred Brathwaite, and the beloved brother of the late Francisco Bryant.

Winston's story began in the lively streets of Colon, where his charismatic nature drew him to the heart of the city's social scene. It was there, amidst the music and laughter of a local party, that he met Josephine Worrell, the love of his life. Their connection was undeniable, and they sealed their love in a beautiful ceremony at the Methodist Church in Colon in March 1963.Together, Winston and Josephine built a loving family. Their journey began in Panama with the arrival of their daughters, Xiomara "Kim" Brathwaite and Melisa V. Brathwaite, before they embarked on a new chapter in Brooklyn, New York, where their son, Winston Ernesto Brathwaite, was born.

Winston embraced the energy of the Big Apple, finding a fulfilling career as a Motorman for the New York City Transit Authority. For over two decades, he guided the city's pulse, driving the subway trains that connected countless lives.

Beyond his work, Winston was a man of diverse passions. He possessed an insatiable wanderlust, drawn to the vibrant rhythms of Caribbean Carnivals. He relished the thrill of the racetrack and the excitement of the casino, and cherished family adventures to national parks. He found joy in simple pleasures, like a spirited dominos game with friends or Monopoly with loved ones, or the soothing embrace of the ocean's waves. He savored life's simple pleasures, delighting in ice cream, popcorn, corn, ripe tomatoes, a good hoagie, crispy thin-cut fried pork chops, and the sweet taste of blue crabs. Above all, he adored the culinary creations of his beloved Josephine, declaring anything she made his absolute favorite.

"I Gone," Winston would often say, a phrase that captured his restless spirit and his unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest. He did just that, embracing every moment until his final day. Winston leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, carried on by his devoted children, Xiomara "Kim," Melisa, and Ernesto; his cherished grandchildren, Angela Del Gudonis, Salena Shaw, Darren Kelly, Tamara Vasquez, B. Antonio "Tony" Vasquez, Carmelo Brathwaite, Aliyah Brathwaite, and Amanda Brathwaite; and his adored great-grandchildren, Angelo Gudonis, Antonio Gudonis, Adrian Gudonis, Karmella Turner, Romelo Turner, Xenya Kelly, and Liam Guerrero.