HARRY WEISSMAN
Jan. 2, 1924 - Dec. 13, 2013
Harry Weissman passed away December 13, 2013 after a short illness.
Harry was born in Stamford, Conn. on January 2, 1924 to Simeon and Evelyn Weissman. At the outbreak of WWII, Harry enlisted in the Army and served in the European campaign. Harry was a member of the elite group known as the Remington Raiders. Harry was the company clerk and carried a portable Remington typewriter throughout Europe. Harry moved to California in 1963 to teach school. He taught 4th and 5th grade at Margaret Hedrick Elementary School in El Centro for three years, he then taught at Imperial Valley College for twelve years. He taught English and the Bible as literature. He was active and passionate about politics. He served on the El Centro City Council from April 1982 to November 1985, he was mayor pro tem April 1984 to March 1985, he was also Chairman of the Board of El Centro Community Hospital from October 1984 to November 1985. Harry remained active in the real estate development industry until the time of his passing. Harry and Don Rosson, his longtime friend and real estate mentor, spent countless hours discussing the real estate business. Harry's career as an educator as well as his business dealings in the real estate industry ensured that he had someone to talk to wherever he went and the conversations could be either in English or Spanish. Harry bought his first airplane, a Swift, before he knew how to fly. He took lessons and became one of the best pilots in the Imperial Valley. Over the years, Harry owned a variety of airplanes. He made many cross country flights to the east coast and also Mexico.
Harry is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Weissman of Imperial, CA and their beloved dogs Ivory and Coco; daughter, Lynn Weissman of El Centro, CA; son, Chester (Jan) Oliver of Missoula, MT; two sisters, Muriel Scolar of Richmond, VA, and Hortense Martin of Stamford, Conn. There were two nieces, Debra (David)Gardner and Lesley (Steve) Walden, one nephew, Jim (Lesley) Martin; His extended family, Cameron (Margo) Campbell and their children CJ and Aubree, Tim (AJ) Gaddis, Sarah Gaddis, and Caleb (Kirsten) Gaddis and their daughter Jude.
A memorial service will be held January 4, 2014 at Cheval Farms, 346 W. Larsen Rd., Imperial, CA. at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Humane Society of Imperial Valley, 1575 W. Pico Ave., EC. or Imperial Valley Food Bank, P.O. Box 4406, E.C.
Please sign the guest book online at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ivpressonline
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Colleen Gilbert
January 13, 2014
Joann, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
Colleen Gilbert
Bruce & Laura Hartsock
January 4, 2014
Joann, Lynn, and Family - we're thankful for the times we shared with Harry; he always had inspiration to share. Thinking of you and praying for you through this hard time;
Don Sundstrom
January 2, 2014
Mr. Weissman was my teacher for both 4th and 5th grades at Hedrick Elementary in the mid-1960's. It was an experimental "accelerated" program. He taught both grades together in the same room at the same time. And he was brilliant at it. He taught us personal discipline, personal responsibility and had a profound influence on so many of our young lives. We felt lucky because he taught us so many things that went way beyond simple school district lesson plans. Things about life and about people around the world, about government and politics, even how to play chess. And as a testament to his lasting influence, he has been remembered fondly at every CUHS reunion I've attended over the decades. I regret not taking time to tell him what an incredible teacher he was before he passed but we will meet again one day, I am positive. In the mean time, thank you Mr. Weissman for all you did for me and my classmates. Your lessons have lasted a lifetime and I'm very grateful you were my teacher. After all these years I still keep one of the books you read to us in class where I can see it. It helps me remember a time when right and wrong were clear, when respect and honor were valued. At least in my home, and in your classroom. Blessings and comfort to your family during this difficult time.
Joe, Elizabeth, Juliana McCormack
January 2, 2014
Jo Ann our deepest condolences. I will miss the conversations and how nice he was to our family.
Hank Benton
December 31, 2013
Many delightfull memories of Harry , always a gentleman . I will miss the thought provoking conversations we would have .
John Davis
December 30, 2013
- Joann -
Had many interesting conversations with Harry on questions of the day.
He was never at loss for words, or looking at a question from many different views.
Harry has done his Life Walk among us; and most likely has Crossed Over and planning another Life Walk, or Spiritual Adviser to those that will be coming down and doing a Life Walk.
We can not be selfish about others, and we must let go so that they can move forward in their Spiritual Perfection before our Creator.
Harry will be missed, and he did make a difference to many that he came in contact with.
I thank you both for making life interesting for many, and of course enlightening many with Wisdom and a "Spin" on a subject that was always open for debate.
May the void you and yours feel, be filled with knowingness, and the "Light" of The Creator.
December 30, 2013
I remember my college years at IVC when Mr. Weissman was my teacher. Enjoyed his lectures every time because he had so much knowledge! To his loving family, our prayers are with you during this difficult time. RIP, Mr. Weissman. Thanks for being a great mentor and professor to many students at IVC.
Donna Gilmore
December 30, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May God watch over you and give you peace.
Debi Ryrson Gray
December 29, 2013
JoAnn and family of Harry,
I was so sorry to hear of Harry passing. It took me back to the 70's and my college days. I always looked forward to what he had to say and enjoyed conversations over the years. May the Lord give you peace in this difficult time. Harry was great guy and he will surely be missed.
Susan Brana
December 29, 2013
Joann,
I have so many wonderful memories of you and Harry. What an inspiration and blessing you have been. Our lives are better for knowing you both.
I will miss "Handsome" and his smile and laugh and I will never eat a tomato or okra without thinking of him.
Love you!!!!
Rosie Pechtl
December 29, 2013
Jo Ann, Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
December 29, 2013
A wonderful man will be truly missed; our sincere condolences, Doc and Denise Madrid
Rosalie & James Harbolt
December 29, 2013
Harry will continue to be a part of our lives...
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