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JOSEPH WEIS Obituary
Age 91, of Fox Chapel, on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Beloved husband of the late Peggy Horne Weis; and devoted father of Tracey Weis of Lancaster, PA, Joseph F. III of Fox Chapel, and Christine W. Grant of Boston, MA. Born on Pittsburgh's North Side, he graduated from Perry High School in 1941, and attended Duquesne University before volunteering for the U.S. Army. Weis was severely wounded on a battlefield in France and spent the next four years in and out of various hospitals, he received both the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster and Bronze Star for Valor. Weis was later awarded the Croix de Guerre, presented by the French Republic for acts of heroism in combat, and the National Order of the Legion of Honor, France's highest decoration. He attended the University of Pittsburgh Law School (1950), and joined his father to form Weis & Weis, where he practiced for 20 years before being appointed a U.S. District Judge in 1970. Three years later, he was nominated by the President to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He continued in that capacity until his death. His Catholic faith was a fundamental part of his life and he was a lector at St. Scholastica Parish for years, as well as being a Knight of the Holy Order of Malta and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Judge Weis was also a longtime member of the Pittsburgh Field Club. He married Peggy Horne and they raised their three children. He and his wife, Peggy, played tennis and golf together and traveled the world with friends and family. He was preceded in death by Peggy, his wife of 53 years; and his brother, George Weis; and sisters, Margaret W. Szot and Ann Weis. In addition to his three children, he is survived by his seven grandchildren; along with his sister, Mary Herald (Paul); and brothers, Thomas (Teresa) and Daniel (Mary Ann). Friends will be received on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. downtown at the Duquesne Club, 325 6th Avenue, and at McCABE BROS., INC. FUNERAL HOME, 6214 Walnut Street, Shadyside, on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Scholastica Church, 309 Brilliant Ave. in Aspinwall on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Everyone please gather at the church. Burial to be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave., Pgh., PA 15212.
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Ray Allen
September 19, 2014
Senior Federal Judge Judge Aldisert just retired (altogether) at age 94. The Weis' & Aldiserts'; Do they make then like that anymore? Rhetorical question. God bless 1 & all. Take care.
Angela Cavalero
March 30, 2014
My prayers go out to you guys sorry to hear my condolences I remember when they used to sit in the evenings and hold hands and your dad would give your mama candy kisses
Anne Wentley-Dorsey
March 23, 2014
Sending my prayers to Tracey, Tina and Joe. From the way back years when our dads were judges together, through high school antics together with Tina and Joe, we adored your Dad. What a hero! When our own dad was on his death bed , he asked for your dad and said they needed to get together. I am saddened to hear of the loss of your dad, a war hero, amazing judge and a huge loss to Pittsburgh and all who knew him. Sending you each my love and prayers. Annie Wentley Dorsey
Linda Engel Berardini
March 23, 2014
Tracey and Joe,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Linda Engel Berardini FCHS Class of 79.
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Patrick Crofton
March 22, 2014
On behalf of my grandfather Chester Wernecke our family would like to send our deepest condolences to the entire Weis family. My grandfather wishes he could attend, but he's very shaken up of the loss of his friend. 70 years ago he was just doing his duty at the time helping a wounded comrade. He didn't realize what he did so long would have the impact that it did. Joe will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. Our families will forever be united in the good deed my grandfather did on November 11, 1944.
March 22, 2014
As the wife of one of the "Weis guys", I knew the judge mainly through my husband's eyes. And so I shared his deep respect, admiration and love for this extraordinary man, who will forever hold a place in our family's heart. Jonnie Viakley, Oakmont, PA
Patrick Crofton
March 22, 2014
On behalf of my grandfather Chester Wernecke our family would like to send our deepest condolences to the entire Weis family. My grandfather wishes he could attend, but he's very shaken up of the loss of his friend. 70 years ago he was just doing his duty at the time helping a wounded comrade. He didn't realize what he did so long would have the impact that it did. Joe will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. Our families will forever be united in the good deed my grandfather did on November 11, 1944.
Chester Wernecke
March 21, 2014
My condolences to the Weis family.
Your father and I had a great experience during the war but a greater friendship for the past 70 years. He will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Ruth Davis
March 21, 2014
Tracey,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Ruth
Rick Duffy
March 21, 2014
Dear Joe, Trevor and the entire Weis family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your dad and grandfather at his passing.
Judge Weis was a man of impeccable integrity who was not only respected by his peers, but by everyone who knew him.
I have had the pleasure of knowing him most of my life and have very fond memories, dating back to when we were little kids at the Field Club.
As a member of St. Scholastica Parish, I always saw him at the 10:30 and eventually 11:00 mass, where he'd frequently comment about the music.
In the last 10 years, when Peggy was alive, but disabled, he was always so very devoted to her and his Catholic faith.
The Pittsburgh community has lost yet another member of "The Greatest Generation!"
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve and celebrate a life well lived.
Eternal Rest and Perpetual Light!
With condolences,
March 21, 2014
To All the Weis Family: We are so sorry to learn of your loss of your father. My prayers are with you all.
Peggy Friday and all the Friday Family
Cheryl Desmond
March 21, 2014
Dear Tracey and Family,
What an extraordinary man and human being your father was. It is an honor to know of him and to be your friend, Tracey, and to experience all of his inherited and your virtues that you bring to our friendship.
Please accept my condolences. Cheryl Desmond, MU
March 21, 2014
Dear Tina and Beaver,
I remember your dad when you both were at St. Scholastica School
and how importantly he valued your early faith development. One time
he mentioned that academics were important but having good
kids with a solid values was equally non negotiable. He witnessed such
standards throughout his life and I know he was very proud of you, too.
My deepest sympathy;please be good to yourselves as you grieve,
Sister Pat Fogle
March 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Condolences, Don & Marina Siegle
March 21, 2014
Requiescat in pace.
Raymond Novak
March 20, 2014
Tina,
I am very sorry to hear about the death of your fine father. I did not know him but, after reading his obituary, I wish sincerely that I had. I hope all these years find you well and I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and your family from far away. I have the fondest memories of you and of our days together in Fox Chapel.
Regards
Bruce Hegedus
March 20, 2014
Tom and Dan, my sincere condolences to you and your families on the loss of your beloved Joe. As my first boss out of law school, at the old Weis & Weis law firm, he was invaluable as a mentor, just watching how he approached the practice of law. He set the bar so high for all of us, morally, professionally and legally. I only trust I honored his legacy these past 50 years.
Joe Zoffer, Esq., Naples FL
Ed Burns
March 20, 2014
Judge may god have mercy on your soul.You were a great person.
March 20, 2014
We have many happy memories of playing tennis and enjoying other fun with you and Peggy. You both touched our lives. See you up there. Bill & Alice "O"(Oehlschlager) (Oehlschlager). Rio Rancho NM
March 20, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Tracey, Beaver, Tina and all the grandchildren. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time, My warmest wishes to you all. Margaret Crawford, Granbury, TX
Michael & Ginny Sinnott
March 20, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Weis family at this difficult time.
Ray Allen
March 20, 2014
Sympathy & kindest regards to Judge Weis' family & very many friends wherever they may be. God bless one & all. So very many remember a very special man. Take care.
March 20, 2014
We'll done, good and faithful servant. DE Ziegler
Barbara Ryan
March 20, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Barbara, Bill and Claire Ryan
March 20, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the Weis family from the Bauer family. Polly & Joe Bauer held such warm memories of early days together at Duquesne and beyond - frat brothers, wedding ushers, even campaigning for Joe for Common Pleas judge. Joe & Peggy Weis were always held in very high esteem in our family, and Joe's fine character was often used as a point of reference for child rearing. Our prayers are with the Weis family today for comfort and strength as you bid farewell to a fine man who leaves a remarkable legacy.
March 20, 2014
Joe F. Iii("castor")our deepest sympathies to all of the family. A great hero has passed. MAC (LT.USNR)&Kiki
March 20, 2014
Dear Joe: I was saddened to read of your father's passing. Please accept my condolences. - Jeff Pollock, Esq., Sq. Hill
Michael Sciulli
March 20, 2014
My condolences to the Weis family, I am truly sorry for your loss. "Uncle" Joe was a very influential part of my life and will be dearly missed.
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