by Carol Hodes, for the SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — The family of Arthur Winkler, a former executive with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, Garden State Park and Freehold Raceway, reports his passing on Sept. 12, 2015 at his home in Lexington, Va., at the age of 71.

He suffered from PSP, a degenerative brain disease.

“We will miss him very much,” stated Winker’s daughter, Kate, and son, Eli. “He loved his family, and treasured his friends and colleagues over the years, so we hope that you can join us for remembering him. On Sept. 16 at 2 p.m., we will be spreading his ashes at the Lexington property. Since this is so far away from many of you, we will also be holding a memorial service to celebrate his life in his native New Jersey on Oct. 8 (site and time to be determined).”

Mr. Winkler’s career included stops as executive vice president for corporate support services for the Cooper Health System and chief operating officer for the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, where he started as house counsel in 1980. He also served as president of both Freehold Raceway and Garden State Park.

A graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, he received his law degree from Rutgers University-Newark in 1969. He held a number of positions in state government, including as a deputy attorney general.

The family welcomes memorial donations to Cure PSP (www.psp.org).