Plattsburgh, NY - Winston "Winnie" Rand Norcross, 98, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 1, 2025, at CVPH in Plattsburgh. Winston was born Dec. 11, 1926, at Physician's Hospital to Eber and Jane (Sanger) Norcross of Cadyville, N.Y., where his father was a rural mail carrier. The family soon relocated to Mooers, N.Y., where he remained for the next 80 years.

Upon his high school graduation in 1944, Winston immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the end of WWII. Being only 17, he was sent for a year of college at Niagara University after which he could fully serve. A more detailed account of Winston's military experiences will follow soon on Facebook.

After two years in the military, Winston went on to earn his bachelor's degree and later his master's at Ithaca College where he studied to be a physical education teacher. During this time, he married Marjorie Ann Wilson of Mooers on July 10, 1948. The couple resided in Mooers together for their 49 years of marriage where they raised their family, and both taught at Mooers Central School. Winnie also taught Driver's Education for BOCES in the 1960's, during which time he earned his master's in counseling at St. Lawrence University, and soon after became a guidance counselor at Northern Adirondack Central School. In total he taught for 35 years.

Winnie was a great outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, golf, snowmobiling, and spending time at the family camp on Chateaugay Lake. After retiring in 1983, he began Magic Dragon Fishing Charters in Mexico Bay, N.Y. His passion for fishing for the "big lakers" continued for the rest of his days. After Marjorie's passing in 1998, he enjoyed spending winters in Hobe Sound, Fla.

Winnie was a member of many organizations which includes the American Legion, the VFW, Kiwanis, The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Shriners. Many will remember his dedication to "clowning" as a Shriner in many a parade, and for transporting young patients to and from the Shriners Hospitals.

On Dec. 13, 2014, Winnie married Barbara (Bird) Ryan of Chateaugay Lake. They lived on the Lake until 2019 when they went to reside at the Vilas Home in Plattsburgh. Two years later Winnie relocated to Victory Place in Plattsburgh where he then resided until his passing. He loved Victory and the people there and was grateful for every day.

Winnie was predeceased by his parents, his wife Marjorie, and later by his wife Barbara, his sister Lois Rogers, son-in-law Mitchell Underwood, a daughter-in-law Carole Quinn, and grandson David Quinn.

He is survived by two sons, James Norcross of Hudson, Quebec, Paul Norcross and his wife Sheila of Minoa, N.Y.; a daughter, Nancy Liotta and her husband Richard of Cadyville, N.Y.; stepchildren, Patty (Robin) Cook, Theresa (Shawn) Dwyer, and William Ryan; grandchildren, Eric (Ashley) Norcross, Ashley (Louis) Bird, Jason Norcross, Matthew Kuhn, Sheri Quinn, Liane (Michael) Chrastina, Alison (Andrew) Quinn, Tara (Timothy) Quinn, and Jason Norcross; nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Ross Funeral Home in Mooers, N.Y., followed immediately by a Memorial Service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be after the service at Union Cemetery on Rand Hill Road in West Plattsburgh, followed by a reception in Winnie's honor at the West Plattsburgh American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Winston's honor to Shriners Children's Hospital.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ross Funeral Home in Mooers. To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.rossfuneralhomes.com