John Francis Weiss, born in Chicago on December 9, 1960, died suddenly on October 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. He was the son of Gloria Weiss, nee McHale, and the late Herbert C. Weiss, and brother to Patricia (deceased), Alexander, Nancy (William) Chagares, Jane (Jack) Wright, Catherine Rose, Maggie (David Austen-Smith), Mary (John) Angelico, Christopher (Suzanne), and Jennifer (Scott Larson). John was a good-natured friend and resourceful mentor to many people, especially his nieces and nephews: Anna, Sarah, Gus, Valerie, Andrew, Nicholas, Julia, Hannah, Henry, Clare, Luke, Ellen, Gabrielle, Anthony, Matthew, and Megan. John grew up in Skokie and attended Northern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in business. After a position at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, John honed his analytical and programming skills at United Airlines and other Chicago-area companies that benefitted from his talent with numbers and creative problem-solving. He loved to travel and eventually relocated to LA, where he appreciated the escape from Chicago winters. Mostly he enjoyed being outdoors-playing golf, hiking, birdwatching, and being near the ocean. Much like his father, John had a passion for motorcycles, airplanes, tools, and working with his hands. Always a careful listener and a generous, thoughtful friend with a dry sense of humor, John had a heart of gold, was deeply loved, and will be dearly missed. John recognized his own journey in the poem, I Live My Life, by Ranier Maria Rilke:

I live my life in growing orbits

Which move out over the things of the world.

Perhaps I can never achieve the last,

But that will be my attempt.

I am circling around God,

Around the ancient tower,

And I have been circling for a thousand years,

And I still don't know if I'm a falcon, or a storm,

or a great song.

May he rest in peace. Join us for a celebration of life at the Unitarian Church of Evanston on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 4 p.m., in person or online at https://youtu.be/hyMDFGFi0Xc . If you would like to make a contribution in John's memory, please consider a donation to NAMI Chicago at namichicago.org/donate.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 27, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Weiss

20 Entries

daniel p tracy

November 21, 2021

John was a great and loyal friend to me when I needed one.He had the gifts of compassion and practical kindness that I will always hold dear to my spirit.While I had lost contact with him after his move to LA, I always had a place in my heart for him.And I always will.My heartfelt sympathy to his mother, siblings and his entire family. May God bless his soul.

Lisa

November 15, 2021

It´s been many years since I have seen John. I woke up one morning last week to the words "google John" in my head and I did which led me here with great sadness. My sincere heartfelt condolences to John´s family. I wish you all the love and strength during this most difficult time. John has had a place in my heart all these years. I will continue to carry his/our memories in my thoughts and his love in my heart. May you/we all find comfort remembering John´s love. Love, Lisa

James Blum

November 8, 2021

Dear Weiss Family, I have just learned of John's passing and am deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful friend/family member. John was always a delight to be around and never said an ill-word about anyone. He was gracious and kind and I always looked forward to him attending our family celebrations. Finally, it was my honor to take John on a flight over the Pacific Ocean so he could honor his Herb by spreading his ashes. My condolences to the entire Weiss/McHale/extended families. My heart breaks. My prayers are with all of you.

Haim Brody

November 7, 2021

Dear Weiss family. I reach out to you during this time of sadness. John was a gem. We never saw him without a smile and a gleam in his eye. He truly valued friendships no matter big or small and no matter near or far. Also no matter how much time had passed. He always greeted us all with a warm smile. We are making a group donation to John´s chosen
Charity in his memory. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Archie, Bruce, Haim,Jim, Kevin, and Rob.

Diane DeFrancesco

November 6, 2021

Thoughts and prayers with all of you. Thank you for posting his celebration of life live video stream. It was a beautiful service.
John was my childhood friend and we reconnected later in lives. I'm very glad to have spent time with him. I'm so very sorry for his pain. He is no longer suffering. He is at rest.

Kristin Jackson

November 6, 2021

Thinking of Gloria and all the family. You must be heartbroken, and I´m sending much sympathy.

Jim and Kathie Barnitz

November 4, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gloria and the entire Weiss family. May your beloved John Rest In Peace

Mark & Nicole TUggle

November 3, 2021

Please accept our heart felt sympathy on the loss of your loved one.
"There are things that we do not want to happen but we have to accept, things that we do not want to know but have to learn, and people we can´t live without but we have to let go" Author unknown.

Meg Rondenet

November 1, 2021

My heart is so heavy for the Weiss family, losing John so suddenly. I have always admired this beautiful family from afar, through my mothers long time and precious friendship with Gloria. I remember a particular summer frequently bumping into John at a particular beach in Evanston. He would recognize my mother and then come over to talk with us, joining us on our blanket with such ease. I so remember enjoying John's depth, his humility and openness, his curiosity about life and his ability to weave a bit of humor into those deep conversations. You were a "great song" John......may you be at Peace. Sending so much love to the Weiss Family.

Cynthia Bassett

October 31, 2021

I only met John once and it was memorable. John, Mike, Alex and I all went to a Grateful Dead concert in Eugene, OR. I remember John as welcoming, kind and with an infectious sense of humor. We all danced and laughed and stayed up way too late. Those memories of John will always be sweet. I wish all the Weiss family healing peace and love.

Joan Stallings

October 30, 2021

My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved John. He was a great friend to many and will be truly missed.

Phoebe K.

October 30, 2021

Please accept my deepest sympathies for the untimely loss of your dear family member. John was a great guy and a good friend I lost touch with in recent years. I'm glad to hear he made it out to the coast before he passed away. He couldn't stand our Chicago winters. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Joan Hinsdale

October 29, 2021

My deep condolences to John´s family and friends. I knew John as a most supportive friend who would lend a hand or an ear for listening to anyone in need. Bless his soul and may John
know peace.

Alberta Chalmers

October 29, 2021

John will be missed by many his gentle spirit a kind gentlemen may you rest in God's grace

Emma

October 29, 2021

My deepest condolences to the family of John. I have known John in Evanston for a number of years and he was always friendly and helpful. I am shocked that he departed this earth so soon. I believe he is with our maker and is in a place far better than we could ever imagine. My prayers are with John´s family at this time.

Jane A Klem

October 28, 2021

Maggie & Family, So deeply sorry to hear of John's passing. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Jane (McDonald) Klem

Richard A. Lanford

October 27, 2021

I met John over 6 years ago and learned a good deal from him. I enjoyed our fellowship and his wisdom although I missed him when he moved West. He still came in periodically so that was a treat. John, I'm sorry for whatever brought your life to a close, and I join his family in grieving.

Cathy Mogharreban

October 27, 2021

I was so sorry to hear about John. I know your hearts are broken. We are thinking about the Weiss clan with love during this really difficult time.

John Haben & Family

October 27, 2021

Please accept our sincere sympathy.
The Haben Family

linda mcnamara

October 27, 2021

Oh Maggie and family, I am so sorry to hear of this news. May his memory be forever a blessing. You are in my prayers

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