Ernest Weiner

Ernest H. Weiner

Passed away on January 10, 2014 after a short illness at the age of 89. Born in New York City, he moved to Bayonne, New Jersey at the age of 2.  There he learned about hard work and honed his gift for both the written and spoken word. He was a shoe shine boy on the Staten Island ferry at 8 years old and a Golden Gloves boxing champion at 16. He enlisted in 1942 and served in General Patton's 3rd Army as a Tank Destroyer and after being injured finished his service in Japan. After WWII, he enrolled at the University of Missouri where he earned his graduate degree and taught in the Journalism school.

He met the love of his life – Shirley Cinnamon, at Mizzou and they were married in 1949. They moved to Berkeley in 1950 and built their house in 1952 on a dirt road in the Berkeley Hills. They were at each other's side for 61 years.  Ernest is survived by his 4 children – Lisa Reich of  New York, Daniel Weiner of Lafayette, CA, Steven Wilde of Studio City, CA and Rebecca Weiner of Oakland, CA; 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Ernie was the editor of several local magazines until he found his calling as Executive Director for the American Jewish Committee where he worked for 37 years. He served as Commissioner for the California State Athletic Commission for 8 years. He also served on the Koret Board and the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. In 2007, the French government awarded him the French National Order of Merit.

Ernie adored his family, friends, and Israel and enjoyed watching Seinfeld and a great fight in Vegas. Vibrant and relevant to the end, he will be sorely missed.

Donations in his honor can be made to the American Jewish Committee, 121 Steuart Street, San Francisco or the NorCal JSHOF, 4200 Indigo Court, San Jose, CA.