Darrell L Winstead

Darrell L. Winstead, 64, of Linden, NJ, peacefully entered the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Monday, June 30th, from 10:00AM-12:00PM, followed by a processional to the family burial plot at Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey.

Darrell was born on July 23, 1960, to parents Len Winstead and Idella (Bryant) Winstead in Manhattan, New York. Darrell always had a lot of love and respect for his family. Throughout the years, he took on multiple roles in various family members’ lives as a caretaker and guardian, especially when his beloved wife of 11 years fell ill, Darrell was right by her side through every step of her journey. Darrell truly turned pain into laughter. He was a “people-person” which shined through in his professional life as well, working for various catering companies as a skilled bartender, chef, and service staff. Two of Darrell’s main workplaces as a hospitality specialist were Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers and the US Open; where he formed lasting friendships with countless colleagues he deeply cherished— and who were equally impacted by his warmth, humor, and generous spirit. He met a lot of celebrities through work, like George Clooney and Oprah, and was always both personal and professional. He left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Darrell was a big fan of cars. He could rattle off information about any car, just by a quick glance. He could tell you the Make, Model, year it was made, and often shared detailed knowledge that amazed everyone around him. Darrell didn’t just like cars, he collected them. He owned hundreds of  Hot-Wheels cars, with so many that some had to be kept in storage. His collection wasn’t limited to the small ones either—he also owned larger-scale model cars, the kind made for display, crafted with realistic detail to match the real thing. 

It was more than a hobby, it was a passion.

Darrell had a profound love for Black history; not just as a student of it, but as a true historian in his own right. He could speak at length about Black leaders, revolutionaries, inventors, and world-changers, and he always emphasized the importance of knowing where we come from. He believed history was power, and he made it his mission to educate others, spark conversations, and keep that knowledge alive.

Darrell also embraced culture in his everyday life. He owned countless T-shirts featuring powerful images of black historical figures, like Frederick Douglas, Malcom X, and many others. He frequently visited African shops in Harlem, where he would buy traditional beads to wear around his neck and natural oils. He also loved stopping at soul food and caribbean restaurants to pick up his favorites, like curry goat, and shopping at Dubai-style stores for his favorite natural remedies, such as moringa and other herbal essentials; and of course shopping for his signature belt holster, where he always kept his cell phone; a small but classic Darrell Detail.

Although Darrell was quite the comedian amongst family and friends, he was also a stand-up comedian in his own right. His favorite comedian was Richard Pryor - he often wore his shirts, quoted his jokes, and rewatched his stand-up specials countless times. One of the Most meaningful relationships in his life was with Dr. Saltz, a childhood mentor who reconnected with Darrell later in life. Their bond was deep — Dr.Saltz was like a father to Darrell, and in turn, Darrell was like a son to him. They shared a special connection rooted in laughter, wisdom, and mutual respect, especially through their shared love for comedy. Dr.Saltz welcomed Darrell into his close-knit circle of family and friends, who quickly became Darrell’s own extended family. Together, they shared years of laughter, meaningful conversation, and good food— attending comedy shows and enjoying meals at their favorite restaurant. It was a special bond built on Joy, acceptance, and love. Darrell cherished the time he spent with them, and they truly loved and appreciated him just the same.

Darrell also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; a good drive to the supermarket to see his secret crush, a pint of ice cream, or a nice plate of black rice made by his health aid turned honorary daughter Mondy.

Darrell was a true Beatles fanatic— their music wasn’t just something he enjoyed, it was a part of who he was. One of his favorite artists of all time was John Lennon and The Beatles. He owned multiple Beatles T-shirts, proudly wearing them as a badge of his love for the band.  For many years, he would make his way to “Strawberry Fields” in Central Park, joining fellow fans to celebrate John Lennon and the Beatles’ legacy. It was one of his favorite traditions, and he found deep joy and connection in the music and meaning they represented.

Family was everything to Darrell. He was deeply present in both of his daughters’ lives from the day they were born, and he loved them both tremendously. His love extended far beyond his daughters; he embraced their siblings, his nieces and nephews, and his great nieces and nephews as if they were his own. To him everyone was family, and he treated them that way. He never missed a birthday, Mother's Day, or Father's Day; always reaching out with a call, a message, or even a personal card every year. His ability to love fully and make others feel seen and supported left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Darrell didn’t just have family— he built family, with every relationship he touched.

Darrell is predeceased by many beloved family members who meant the world to him, including his mother Idella Winstead, his father, Len Winstead, his sisters, Lori Ann Winstead and Mary Hall, and his nieces, Ayana Bryant, Cheena Finney, and Enai Coleman. He is also predeceased by his beloved aunt Marian, aunt Mary, uncle Carl, and other cherished aunts and uncles, as well as, his sisters husband Scooter Hall, His Honorary Mother Lessie Martin, his honorary father figure and lifelong mentor, Dr.Saltz, and his loving wife of 11 years Juliette Joyner.

He is survived by his daughters Lynette Winstead, and Lynelle Berry, his grandchildren Mont and Lynnox, his brother-in-law Morris Toomer, nephews Lenny Toomer, Daniel Dankyi, Juston Hall, and Laquan Toomer, his nieces Zenovia Hailey, Sydney Hall, and Lindsay Hall, his great-nieces Nivea Hailey,and Idella Hall, his great-nephews Lenwood Washington, Davion Washington, Alson, Jabril, and Curtis Hailey, his aunt Evelyn, his god-sister Tanaya Coleman, god-nieces Eboni Coleman and Eliza Coleman, his honorary sons Matthew Berry, Clarence Berry, Michael Berry, and Gregory Berry, his honorary brother Festus Dankyi,his honorary daughter Mondy Dort,  and may other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Although he is no longer here with us physically, Darrell will forever live in our hearts, minds, and prayers, and he will always be remembered. We know, we have been blessed with a new guardian angel watching over us, guiding us, and continuing to love us from above.

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