Harold Lee Weinstein

Harold Lee Weinstein passed away May 8 after a brief illness, in Sarasota, Fla. He left this world under his own terms in hospice care, after saying good-bye to many family and friends who visited in his last few days.

Harold was born June 27, 1930 in Charlotte to Philip and Irene Lewith Weinstein. After graduating from Central High School, he attended N.C. State University. He then joined the U.S. Air Force and served as an aircraft communications operator for three years during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he began working for Wilson Lewith Textile Machinery Corp., where he rose to the rank of president/owner. Over the next 40 years he traveled around the U.S. and the world buying textile machinery and mill buildings to refurbish and resell. Despite his success in business, he never lost the values of frugality he learned as a child during the Great Depression. He delighted in finding great deals at bargain stores and imparted to his children financial wisdom they still follow. He also stressed the importance of hard work and a strong education as keys to success.

In his spare time, Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially on the golf course, where he achieved a “hole in one” six times, one of the many feats that earned him the nicknames “Super Jew” and “Great One.” He was a voracious reader. There was not much that he did not know about, including medicine (on which he routinely challenged his “doctor/daughter” Sheri), astronomy, politics, history, and languages, often quizzing family members on obscure words. He and his wife, Donna, moved to Sarasota, where they enjoyed “days in paradise,” swimming, working “evil” level Sudoku puzzles and word games, and gourmet cooking. He regularly corresponded with nationally syndicated columnists, exchanging views on political topics, and was very proud to be an American. To his last day, he had a keen sense of humor, a sharp intellect, and a photographic memory that awed family and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jean, infant son David, and his niece, Cheryl Sosnik. Those who will carry on and remember his legacy include his beloved wife of 57 years, Donna; his four devoted children, of whom he was very proud: son Arthur Weinstein (Stacey) of Charlotte; daughters Sheri Weinstein, MD (Rob Kohnen) of Sarasota; Lisa Gross (Bob VanDeVenter) of Matthews; and Julie Bakes (Steve) of Hendersonville; a sister, Carolyn Sosnik of Gastonia; two grandchildren, Ashley and Tyler Weinstein of Charlotte; one niece (Marilyn) and three nephews (Richard, Mark and David). He is also survived by his beloved cat, Katmandu.

A memorial service will be held May 27 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Road in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the charity of one's choice