Joel Winslow

OXFORD- JOEL HARRINGTON WINSLOW, PRODUCT CONCEPTUALIST, DESIGNER, MANUFACTURER Joel Harrington Winslow finished his journey of life on the 14th day of May 2015. Joel was born April 25, 1934 in Norfolk, MA, the son of Maurice and Alice (Harrington) Winslow and sibling of older brother, David. He lived his younger years housed on the grounds of Norfolk State Prison where his father served as Superintendent. Joel is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carol (Giroux Russell) Winslow; Stepsons Brett Russell and his family, of Oxford, MA; Brandon Russell and his family of Woodstock, Ct.; Dee Winslow, Mother to their four sons, of Cape Coral, FL; sons Attorney Daniel Winslow and his family, of North Turo, MA; Dr. Timothy Winslow and his family of Wilmington, N.C.; William Winslow of Wilmington, N.C.; and Dr. Joshua Winslow and his family of Rumson, N.J.; His older Brother David Winslow and his family of Bellport, N.Y.; Father-in-law Donald Giroux of Dennisport, MA; Brother-in-law James Giroux and his family of Glastonbury, CT; and his beloved dog Sam. Joel graduated from high school at Admiral Farragut Naval Academy in Toms River, New Jersey before enlisting in the Army. Joel served in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. After discharge he attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst as a Business/Economics major. His sophomore year he married Dee (Scavetta) Winslow and also founded/operated Antenna Specialists, a company that subcontracted TV antenna and communication tower installations to area dealers. His senior year, Antenna Specialists contracted to install language laboratories in schools throughout New England for General Electric Labs of Nashua, N.H., where he later went on to become their Audio Visual Product Director. From General Electronic Labs he moved on to become a Manufacturers Rep for Chester Electronic Labs of Chester, C.T. where he became the highest volume sales producer in the history of the company before being appointed their Director of Sales and Marketing. Prior to 1970, Mr. Winslow had designed and installed more than 150 telephone based medial retrieval systems in schools across the country. Thus achieving national recognition as a technologist focused on advanced electronic systems for schools. In recognition of this achievement, he became a keynote speaker and presenter at AECT Convention, International Association of Educational Facility Planners. In 1970, he founded Practek Associates Inc., where he conceptualized, designed and produced the country's first computer Intelligent Integrated Information Communication Media and Alarm System for schools, known as TekNet, which became the benchmark for the new school construction supply industry. In that context, he invented the PC based video clock/bell system, PC video bulletin board, Video All-Call, first multi-station distribution of audio/video signals via telephone wire, and finally, telephone access and control of remote media devices, better known as "Media Retrival". His Practek company was purchased by Sprint in 1993. Joel was retained to support and train engineering and sales staff before retiring in 1995. Prior to retirement, while Joel and his family lived in Amherst, MA, he was the first student to run for Selectman. He served on the Finance Committee, Citizen Review Commission for Discrimination, Water Needs Committee, Fire Department Needs Committee and several Building Committees. Joel engaged in many diverse second jobs throughout his career inclusive of: President of Winslow Foods Inc. operating two Burger Chef Restaurants, Yacht Delivery Captain, past member of Holyoke Carpenters Union, Mass Licensed Radio/Television Technician, night mechanic at Hartford City Cab, low voltage systems installer in new construction, Home Depot electrical department associate, outside salesman for Concord Supply of Worcester, Captain Joe's Shrink Wrap Service for winter storage of boats, salesman for Oxbow Marina of Northampton and many others. His fondest memories were family summers boating in Mystic, CT., Rhode Island beaches and lemon ice cream, camping with his wife Carol, his childhood, his first TekNet systems sale and watching his children become remarkable young men. Calling hours are Monday, May 18, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA, for those who wish to attend. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.