ROBERT HATCHER WEISS

1931 - 2022

WEISS, Robert Hatcher In Westport, formerly of Boston, passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Joyce at his side on January 15, 2022. He was born in Cambridge on September 11, 1931, the son of Elizabeth and Dr. Soma Weiss. During his childhood, he developed a deep sense of curiosity during his summers in Keene Valley, NY, and enhanced his early education at Shady Hill School and Milton Academy (class of 1950). He received a Bachelor's Degree from Harvard College (class of 1954), where he became the varsity hockey team manager as a freshman. In his sophomore year, he was introduced to the discipline of writing by becoming the Harvard sports correspondent for the Boston Herald American. After graduating from college, Bob served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery, 1954-1956, and was stationed in Germany where he met his first wife, Ruth Underwood, and subsequently had four children. He held a number of positions in various advertising and marketing companies. In 1972, he created Robert Weiss Associates, a public relations and marketing company which worked with a variety of clients including the CVS Roadside Service Program, Gillette's Introduction of the PaperMate Erasable Pen, King Arthur Flour, Purdue Chicken, New Balance and The Copley Plaza Hotel. He purchased the Boston Airport Journal in 1983, and subsequently began 3 other newspapers in the Boston area devoted to the travel industry. He also broadcasted travel commentaries for WBZ radio for over two decades. Bob was a former governor of the Boston Athletic Association, and successfully completed nine marathons. He served on the King Arthur Flour Board of Directors, was an Incorporator of The Harvard Magazine and helped create the Harvard Shop. Bob enjoyed his weekend retreats in Westport that was purchased in 1991 so much that he and his wife Joyce moved there full time in 2021. A dedicated traveler, he was lucky to have visited China, Russia, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Cape Town, Hungary, Canada, and Europe among other destinations. He hated the word retirement and continued his interest about what was going on in the world. He recently wrote a book, entitled Media Man, chronicling his adventures in the business world. But more than anything, he treasured his time with the family, and loved the energy of all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His motto was "family is everything" and was evidenced by the lively family reunions, especially the Christmas cruise. Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce; and his four children, Elizabeth Comins of Hingham, Laura Weiss Sanchez of Buenos Aires, Lucy Weiss of Weymouth, and Robert Weiss, Jr. of Eugene, Oregon. In addition, he is survived by his nine grandchildren who affectionately called him "Popey": Nicolas and Sol Sanchez, Virginia Sanchez, Carly and Simeon Fromberg, Victoria Sanchez and Marcel Herold, Courtney Caroline Comins, Allyson Bergeron, Hadley Weiss, Michael Bergeron, Jr., and Bode Weiss. He also leaves his four great-grandchildren: Ella Sanchez, Luka Herold, Mozelle Bee Fromberg, and Isabelle Zoe Herold. He is also survived by his sister, Louise Weiss of Cambridge. His brother, Paul Weiss, predeceased Bob. A private Service for the family has been held.

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