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NEIL WEINER Obituary
NEIL ALAN, PhD., 61, of Wynnewood, formerly of Phila. July 2, 2009, of sudden heart failure. Former Senior Research Investigator at University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and former Senior Research Associate at the National Academy of Science and former visiting fellow at the US Dept. of Justice. Dr. Weiner was an internationally regarded criminologist known for his expertise in, among other areas, criminal and juvenile justice, justice and welfare, death sentencing, criminology theory, and public policy formulation and evaluation. He was until his death the Research Director, Senior Fellow for Research, Evaluation and Policy at the Vera Institute for Justice in NYC. Dr. Weiner was the co author of several books with his former mentor Dr. Marvin Wolfgang. He was the devoted husband of Pamela, loving father of Aaron Isadore and Ethan Lewis. Funeral services will be held on Monday 12 noon precisely at GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL SACKS, 6410 N. Broad St. Int. Mt. Sharon Cem. Contributions in his memory may be made to support youth mentoring at Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Interna-
national.
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Memories and Condolences
for NEIL WEINER
Pam and the boys
June 29, 2023
We are still missing you and loving you, Neil, every minute of every day. Aaron got his Ph.D in molecular biology and regenerative medicine from Penn! And he´s married and living in Boston with his wife, Julia, and my wonderful granddog, Tenley! Ethan is turning into an amazing filmmaker and lives in Albuquerque for right now with his amazing girlfriend, Natasha! Oh Neil I miss you so so much. I know you´re with us but it would sure be nice to see you All our love, Pam and the boys
Dana Hunt
June 29, 2022
There are few days that go by that I do not think about you Neil and smile
Linda Williams
June 29, 2021
I think of Neil often and remember what a thoughtful and serious scholar he was. Excellent methods and impeccable ethics. He is missed in this field.
dana hunt
June 29, 2021
I think of Neil often and remember what a kind, funny and loving friend he was to me
Dana Hunt
November 8, 2019
I miss him still and very often think of his friendship
November 13, 2018
Remembering Neil Weiner
It's been only a week since we learned the tragic and shocking news that Neil Weiner (http://www.vera.org/content/about-us/staff-0#neil) , our research director and senior fellow, passed away. Neil joined Vera in 2006 to lead our research efforts. He commuted from Philadelphia every day and was on his way to work last Thursday when he died. His death was so sudden; I'm sure it leaves us all
looking for ways to understand and cope with this loss. For his wife, Pamela, and two young kids, 15 and 8, his loss is
unimaginable.
Neil was a distinguished criminal justice scholar and an incredibly skilled research methodologist. For me, however, his defining
characteristic had little to do with his accomplished professional life. Rather, it was that Neil was a wise, warm, and generous
man. Everybody who knew Neil liked Neil. He was incredibly dedicated to the research staff and did all he could to see them
succeed and grow professionally. He recently donated a substantial part of his personal library to Vera, working over a weekend to bring the books to the office so we could access his extraordinary collection. He was also dedicated to Vera's mission. Neil had just helped create a research guest speaker series to introduce more scholars to Vera's work.
Over the next few weeks, we will find a way to honor Neil's memory here at Vera. In the meantime, he has only been gone a week, and we already miss him very much.
Posted by Michael
Jacobson on Jul 09 2009
November 13, 2018
July 5, 2009
Dear Pam:
It is with dismay and sadness that I think of Neil's passing. My deep condolences to you and your family as you grieve Neil's untimely death. I have you very much in my thoughts during these painful days for you, Ethan, and Aaron.
I have known Neil for more than 20 years during which time I developed the greatest respect and admiration for him as an individual and scholar.
We met in 1988 in connection with the New Jersey Supreme Court proportionality review project in which he played a vital role on behalf of the state public defender. From that point on we have worked together on projects in seven different states and have jointly authored at least four articles and book chapters.
What always stood out in Neil's scholarship was his meticulous care and concern about both the theory driving the analysis and the facts and argument of the final story. This was particularly evident in our most recent Arkansas study, published this month by the University of Tennessee law review. Neil beautifully developed a theory of racial discrimination expounded by Supreme Court Justice Byron White in 1986 opinion into a conceptual framework we could test empirically. Neil would always take the time to get it right.
What I cherish most is the strong friendship Neil and I developed through our work together. We always enjoyed our time together. I recall with delight the long luncheon I shared with Neil five or six years ago in Washington D.C. that deepened my sense of his life, both personal and professional.
Gracious, kind, and generous best describe Neil at a personal level. He always emphasized the positive and I never heard a mean spirited remark pass his lips. Neil routinely volunteered his time and energy to support others. I vividly remember a Sunday afternoon in 2005, when he helped David Zuckerman, George Woodworth and me prepare for a hearing in a Philadelphia court. His tactful and insightful observations helped us a lot and in his usual gracious way he thanked us for the opportunity to participate. And as recently as last week he participated in one of a series of conference calls arranged to help counsel in North Carolina develop a meaningful proportionality study.
With my very best regards,
David Baldus
Reagan Daly
November 13, 2018
I will remember him to be not only an incredibly smart and talented researcher, but a wonderfully nice man and a good person.
Greg Klemm
November 13, 2018
I will always remember his sense of humor, generosity, and kindness.
Megan Golden
November 13, 2018
(July 2009 - Megan shared work info on how Neil understood and appreciated the innovation part of Vera's work how he addressed some longstanding tensions between researchers that he was working with her on designing some analysis on the issue of aging people in prison just last week)
Neil was always good-natured and good-humored, and was generally a pleasure to work with. I miss him a lot.
November 13, 2018
I first met Neil many years ago through our mutual involvement in criminal justice research. Then a few years ago I served on the search committee that identified Neil as a prime candidate for the Research Driector position at Vera. I was delighted by his decision to take the post.
As a member of Vera's Institutional Review Board, I met with Neil often over the last few years and I developed enormous regard for his knowledge and sophisticated research skills. But it was in less formal meetings that I came to know his goodness, gentleness, and love and commitment to you and your boys. Indeed it was only a few weeks ago that we had a long and enjoyable lunch together. I will miss him now as a friend, as well as a colleague, and I will keep him, you, and the boys in my thoughts and prayers as time goes on.
If there is any way in which I might be of assistance to you in the future, I would be pleased to do so.
Jerome E. McElroy
Executive Director
NYC Criminal Justice Agency
52 Duane St.
NYC, NY 10007
Stacey Strongarone
November 13, 2018
No doubt, we'll remember Neil first and foremost as a very talented and dedicated researcher who made many significant contributions to the justice field. But if I can share a funny anecdote what I'll miss about my day-to-day interactions with Neil will be his sweet tooth!
Whenever we had parties or some other reason to bring treats to work, you could always count on Neil to come by and have a try. It was so endearing! I'm smiling right now as I write this to you.
He was a lovely man and a pleasure to work with. I'll miss our interactions he was always friendly, supportive, and fun.
Warm regards,
Jim Parsons
November 13, 2018
I wanted to let you know how much Neil's colleagueship and friendship meant to me. Neil brought a high standard of integrity and dedication to his work but, much more than that, his warmth and unwavering concern for those he worked with was an inspiration that I shall carry with me. I will miss him greatly.
With my deepest sympathies,
November 13, 2018
I had the honor of working with Neil on a project or two at Vera. Eash day he'd smile and nod hello which was always a comforting feeling when I first became a Veran. He will be missed.
Fondly,
Zehara Brickner
Vera Institute for Social Justice (librarian)
November 13, 2018
19 July 09
Dear Pam,
News of your terrible tragedy has reached me where I am summering in the North Country. I can't imagine the shock, the emptiness, the confusion you must face. My heart goes out to you and the boys as you search for explanation and direction in the strange new world that you must now contront.
I wish for you all the strength to go forward, simply to put one foot ahead of the other.
Much love Susan Hill
November 13, 2018
I worked with Neil at the Vera Institute we all miss him so much. My memories of Neil were largely around our interactions outside of work meetings he had a way of always finding the free food at Vera whether it was baked treats, leftovers from a catered lunch, or your lunch that you placed on a shared table.
I used to get irritated (in a playful way) with Neil when I'd have to slap away his hand as he reached for my food It's memories such as this when you realize you cared enough about someone that you could have gotten irritated that I am now left with as I am mourning the passing of Neil. My deepest sympathies, Susan Shah
November 13, 2018
I had the enormous pleasure and privilege of working with Neil at Vera for the past 3 years, and have known him to be one of the sweetest, most generous and most caring colleagues I have ever known. He was an ally and a mentor to me.
I was reminded this week of a quote by Abraham Herschel: When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; As I grow older, I admire kind people.' Of course Neil was stunningly and formidably both intelligent and kind, but I know when I think of what I'll miss most, it's not his brilliance that tops my list but rather his generosity of spirit, unfaltering good will, and genuine sweetness.
I know his intelligence will continue to inform my work well into the future, but my bigger hope is that his kindness will be just as much a lasting part of what we do. It is an honor to have known Neil all too briefly.
Danielle Sered
Common Justice
150 Court Street, 2nd floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
November 13, 2018
Neil was always so jovial, and he was quick to greet me and others with a warm and sincere hello in the hallway. He also shared my love of sweets, and I enjoyed his deep appreciation of Snickers bars and homemade treats. He will be greatly missed.
And to Aaron and Ethan (sent with a Snickers wrapper taped to a piece of Vera stationery): I am not a researcher, so I didn't get a chance to work with your dad very often. However, we did share a deep love for homemade sweets and all things chocolate. He was always warm and witty whenever we met at the vending machine (He was usually buying a Snickers, I was usually buying M&Ms) or at the latest plate of shared cookies. I think I remember this the most because it had nothing to do with work. We were just two people who loved sweet food, and that was enough for a good conversation. Your dad was a warm and jovial person, and I will miss him.
- Abbi Leman, Vera Institute for Social Justice
Anthony Petrosino
November 5, 2009
It is with great sadness that I learned that Neil passed away this summer. I only learned of this at a criminology conference in which there was to be a memorial for Neil. He was a generous and thoughtful person. I'm so saddened to hear of this news and to know our field has lost a very good man.
Luisa Taveras
July 18, 2009
Dear Weiner Family,
I was shocked and sadden to hear of Neil's passing. My deepest sympathies to the family. I worked closely with Neil at Vera and will always remember his quirky sense of humor and his patience. He was so smart, dedicated, and a lovely person. It was a privilege knowing him. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Yolande Marlow
July 13, 2009
Dear Weiner Family,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the recent death of Neil. Although I have not seen or communicated with Neil since I graduated from University of Penn in 1985, I was touched by his kindness and assistance during my tenure at the University. He was a very kind,considerate and warm person. (Yolande P. Marlow)
Katrina Baum
July 9, 2009
Dear Weiner Family,
I was saddened to learn of Neil's passing today. Neil was a mentor to me, and we worked on many projects together. Like others who have expressed condolences, Neil served on my dissertation committee. What I miss most about Neil is his sense of humor and kindness. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Dorit Roer-Strier
July 9, 2009
Dear Weiner family,
I was a visiting scholar at Penn for 3 years and got to know Neil and hear a lot from him about his love to you. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Etannibi Alemika
July 8, 2009
Dear Neil Weiner Family.
Neil was a member of my Ph.D. disertation Committee (that included Late Marving Wolfgang, Late Robert Figlio and Paul Tracy) at the University of Pennsylvania , from 1984 - 1985. Although he was the youngest and most junior, Neil was my most consistent advisor who returned drafts to me within seven days. Even where he disagreed with my analysis, he did so constructively. Since graduating in 1985, Neil has been my friend, indeed in an African setting, I would have said my brother. I was looking forward to seeing him on the 7th July 2009 at a meeting in Vera Institute only to receive news of his passing, late thursday, July 2nd. As I looked at his empty seat in his office at Vera yesterday, July 7th 2009, I was overwhelmed by emotion. In all these I am glad I met and knew Neil and could call him my supervisor and friend. he was kind, gentle, unobtrusive and sacrificial. I will miss him, indeed he will be missed by thousands whose life he touched during a career devoted to making visible the plights of the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. Neil family members should take consolation in the fact that he was a good man. May God comfort, strengthen and sustain you.
Etannibi Alemika, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
Pamela Guthrie
July 7, 2009
Dear Weiner Family - I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. I worked closely with Neil at the Vera Institute and found him to be a lovely person and a brilliant researcher. Neil was very dedicated to his work, but he also took the time to nurture young research staff and support us in pursuing our own interests. He was a mentor and a friend, and he will be missed.
Anthony Bruno
July 7, 2009
Dear Pam, Adam and Ethan.
I am deeply saddened to learn that Neil passed away. We worked on several projects at Penn and I was always impressed with his utter lack of pretension despite formidable intellectual skills. Whatever the setting, not once did I him “attitudinize”in meetings nor try to broadcast his astonishing analytical abilities to impress others. I’d routinely tease him about talking in “paragraphs,” triggering his wonderful gift of humor which rarely failed him. What will probably stay with me most of all was his dedication to his family. Whenever I saw him with Adam, watching his gentleness and tenderness, it always made me walk away wanting to be a better father. Where I grew up Neil would have been called a “stand-up” guy, someone you wanted to watch your back. That he was, and I was personally and professionally enriched by knowing him. I hope your grief in the days and years ahead is softened, from time to time, by loving memories of his life. I will miss him.
Sincerely,
Tony Bruno
Sean Joe
July 7, 2009
I am sorry and sadden to hear today about Neil’s death. I spent formative years out of graduate school with Neil and I will always remember Neil as a hard working and thoughtful man. It is hard for me to not to think about Neil and smile; as he often did [smile] after a humorous comment at a project meeting. You could always count on Neil for at least one good comment. I offer my sincere condolences to his children, wife, and family during this difficult time.
Kimberly Rothman
July 7, 2009
Dear Pam, Aaron & Ethan,
I am so very sorry. I, too, had the privilege to work with Neil. Neil worked tirelessly but never lost his unique sense of humor that could bring all of us to tears laughing.
My thoughts are with you.
Susan Kinnevy
July 6, 2009
Pam, Aaron, and Ethan - The news of Neil's death touched me as it did so many others. I had the privilege of working with Neil as a PhD student at Penn and later as a colleague. He was generous, supportive and truly kind man. I am sorry I was out of town and unable to join you today, but do want to extend my deepest sympathy.
Simon Singer
July 6, 2009
I remember Neil as the most dedicated of scholars who was all too willing to burn the midnight lights at Penn.. He didn’t hesitate to talk about ideas, and was there to offer me his friendly helping hand as I nervously entered Wolfgang’s program in criminology. He was scholarly and generous with his time. He knew a lot and his modesty made sure that everything he did was just right. He will be surely missed by us all.
Matt Bernacki
July 6, 2009
Weiner family,
Neil was a wonderful mentor and friend. I was very surprised and am sad to hear of his passing. I'll keep you all in my prayers.
caroline wong
July 6, 2009
Dear Pam, Ethan and Aaron,
I am truly sad to learn of Neil's sudden passing. We worked together on several projects and spent many hours together. While the projects were challenging, Neil was always patient, funny and supportive. Most importantly, he was a fierce family man. It was so obvious that his center was his family and I hope that brings you solace in this very difficult time.
Rose Cheney
July 6, 2009
Aaron, Ethan and Pam
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. It is hard to imagine a world without Neil - both his insightful, important work and his helpful and caring friendship. We will miss Neil as a colleague and a friend. All our love.
Dana Hunt
July 6, 2009
I can not begin to express how sad I am at Neil's far too soon passing. Starting with our first days in graduate school, he was a dear friend with whom I shared some of the happiest and most productive times of my life. Neil was one of the sweetest, most generous and most hilarious people I have ever known. I will miss him and send my thoughts to Pam and his children.
Rosalinda Rendon
July 5, 2009
Pam, Aaron, and Ethan, We are so sorry to hear about Neil's passing. Jose and I spoke of him often, he was a big part of our lives while at Penn and afterward. We admired his dedication to his work and to his family. I worked for him for close to ten years and I got to know what a unique and gentle friend he truly was. We will miss him.
Linda Williams
July 5, 2009
This is such sad news. My deep sympathies to the family. Neil and I went to graduate school together and collaborated recently on research on human trafficking. We will miss his contribution to this work enormously. Just this past Tuesday we chatted about our next planned proposal. An astute and generous colleague and top notch methodologist, he will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to work with him. Sincerely, Linda Williams
Richard Gelles
July 5, 2009
Pam and family. I am so sorry to hear of Neil's untimely death. Neil was nice enough to drop by and visit me a week ago and he looked happy with his new work. We hugged and promised to stay in touch. Neil was a very special person, talented scholar, and loyal friend. We who knew him will miss him very much. I am away so I will be unable to join you for Neil's funeral. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family. Rich Gelles
Deborah Denno
July 5, 2009
No words can sufficiently express my sorrow. I first met Neil when I was a graduate student at Penn's Criminology Center in 1978. At that time Neil was an amazing mentor who later would become my colleague at the Center. Neil was brilliant, generous, kind, and fun, as well as the best friend anyone could have. He has forever left a mark in the fields of criminology and the death penalty as well as touched the lives of many. Neil had a hugely influential impact on my own life. I will remember his intelligence, sensitivity, and wicked sense of humor always. Neil is without a doubt one of the finest people I have ever met. Sincerely, Debby Denno
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