Joseph Thomas Weiland

Joseph T. Weiland, 69, passed away September 5, 2014 in Richmond, Virginia with his family by his side. Born in New Castle, DE on October 29, 1944 he was the 5th child of Joseph L. and Helen M. Weiland, both of whom predeceased him. He leaves his loving wife, Debra Weiland of Richmond, Virginia, his adored children Heather Steele (Steven R. Depue) of Amissville, Virginia, Steven Weiland (Rhita Douglass) of Annandale, Virginia, JT Weiland of Centreville, Virginia and Shawn Davenport (Corey Davenport) of Glen Allen, Virginia, five wonderful grandchildren: Emma, Robbie, Dylan, Jesse and Sophia as well as his brother Edward Weiland (Virginia) of Tucson, AZ and five sisters: Joann Weiland of Carney's Point, NJ, Donna Mae Kruep (Daniel) of Downer's Grove, IL, Anna Marie Stensler of Boulder, CO, Stephanie Steele of Las Vegas, NV and Helene Weiland (Kenneth Locklin) of Reston, VA. After graduating from Piscataway Township High School in New Jersey in 1963, Joe attended Pennsylvania Military College and left to honorably and humbly serve in the Navy in Vietnam. During this time, Joe met and married Karen Weiland (nee King) and they spent 27 years together in Fairfax, Virginia. He retired in 2003 from a 33-year civilian career with the Department of the Navy as a financial analyst, during which time he met and married Debbie; they resided in Burke, Virginia. In 2005, Joe and Debbie headed to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where he spent 9 idyllic years walking the beach, sunning among the dunes, watching sunsets, tending his fish ponds and gardens and feeding his soul. Some of his favorite days there were when he could enjoy those times with his cherished children and grandchildren. Joe's passing leaves a hollow place in the hearts of those he loved and treasured. He never failed, in large ways and small, to let you know that you were loved. His kindness, sweet and easy-going nature and big heart was a constant reminder of what we all aspire to be, yet rarely achieve. Being in his company it was clear he was a deeply thought-full person whose concern for the well-being of his family and friends remained in the forefront of his mind and spurred his daily activities. His garden leaves us a small window into Joe's feelings for the people he shared his life with and we will always be grateful to have that beautiful reminder of him. We are infinitely saddened that his time with us ended so abruptly, but we will keep the days we spent with him in our hearts. We'll always remember him lovingly, and hope that we will meet him again.... somewhere in time. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest contributions for the upkeep and enhancement of the Walker Nature Center's fish ponds. Checks can be mailed to Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA, 20191 and notated "in memory of Joseph Weiland". Credit card information can be provided via phone to Katie Shaw at 703-435-6510.