Frederick Wayne Hinkel – Born in Queens, New York 12-24-1951 to Mr. Frederick Bruce & Mina Hinkel.

Going by his middle name, “Wayne” passed away in Vero Beach, Fl. on 09-09-2022 from complications of Congestive Heart Failure with his family near him.

He was a recent resident of Vero Beach Fl. for his final year, living there with his 2 Cousin’s, Donna & Ross and his brother Keith.

Growing up on Long Island in Patchogue , N.Y. and graduated from West Islip High School on Long Island, NY.

After graduating from High School, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam conflict. After boot camp, he was asked to represent the Coast Guard as part of the Presidential National Color Guard.

During his military service he was stationed in Virginia and finally finished in Corpus Christie,Texas receiving an Honorable Discharge.

During this period he was married and had two daughter’s, Erin and Jill.

He considered going back to college and was focusing on attending a cooking school.

Changing course, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine, starting with working on EXXON Tanker’s. Wayne spent over 30 years sailing both Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi and other non-disclosed ports for many different vessel’s andcompanies, including N.O.A.H. and The Military Sealift Command.

He is survived by daughters Erin and Jill, brothers Keith, Scott, Harold, David, and sisters Dara and Lin.

Wayne LOVED to play CHESS and was well ranked. He loved music and learned guitar at an early age, excelling at acoustic Slide Blues.

Always a light hearted person he naturally attracted friends and new relationships. He would generate laughter with whomever he connected with and was well known for that ability, “A Man of Infinite JEST.”

Born on Christmas Eve, he truly had the Holiday Spirit all year round, he added life and laugh’s to every situation wether it be work or play.

He was always considerate of his family and friends, and often gave up his own wants and need’s for their’s.

He brought joy and light heartedness to every occasion and he will be greatly missed by all that new him.

Family will be looking to have a military funeral in his honor at a national cemetery on Long Island, NY.

Location TBD.

Link to Memorial Video: https://vimeo.com/750125201   use password: Wayne

Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared at www.millenniumcremationservice.com.