Walter "Skip" Weldon Jr.

WALTER "SKIP" WELDON JR. passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 17, 2025 leaving behind a lifetime of laughter, love and memories that will never fade. He was 77.

Skip was the kind of person who brought joy wherever he went – grilling steaks for the family, relaxing by the pool, golfing or simply telling stories that had everyone laughing. His quick wit and easygoing nature made him someone people naturally wanted to be around. One of his greatest joys was cheering at his grandson Michael's baseball games. Skip never missed a single sporting event for any of his kids, cheering from the sidelines with pride at every baseball, softball, football or basketball game or cross-country meet.

Fun-loving by nature, Skip always found a way to make people smile. He was known for cracking jokes at just the right (and sometimes wrong) moment or breaking into an impromptu dance that could make even a stranger laugh. Melissa, his beloved wife, could often be seen shaking her head and smiling – because she knew that was the man she married: playful, full of life and completely himself.

Behind Skip's humor was a thoughtful, straight-talking man who loved a good conversation. He could debate politics or religion one minute and swap family stories or discuss the Cleveland Browns over a cold beer the next.

A lifelong sports fan, Skip's heart belonged to Notre Dame football and Cubs baseball, passions he picked up during his years in Chicago. He often spoke fondly of his early days in New Orleans and Dallas, places that shaped his love of road trips, good food and great company.

After his family, his closest friends, Bill Hansen and John Zappola, were like brothers, earning the honorary title of "Uncle" from the Weldon kids. Whether it was joining Skip at a softball game in their younger years, a night out at Grande's or somewhere in his native Cleveland Heights, or a golf outing later in life, they were the kind of friends every guy hopes to have.

Skip is survived by his loving wife, Melissa (Binder), and their three children – Allison Marie (Michael Emch), Walter Joseph III (Erin Haklik) and Michael John (Devon Marino) – along with his adored grandson, Michael Anthony.

The seventh of nine children, Skip grew up surrounded by a big, lively family that meant the world to him. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Ken and sisters, Julie Keeley (Jack Keeley) and Carol Root. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Jeanne Lantzy; brother, Bill (Judy) of Stockton, Calif.; sister, Mary Minnillo; and brother, Tom, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Skip's family was the center of his world. He was happiest surrounded by the people he loved – laughing, telling stories and enjoying life's simple moments.

The Weldon family asks that, instead of flowers, you honor Skip by finding joy and laughter in everyday life – just as he always did.

Funeral Mass Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in St. Gregory the Great Church. The family will receive friends at the SCHULTE & MAHON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 5252 MAYFIELD RD. (BETWEEN RICHMOND AND BRAINARD) MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 FROM 4 TO 7 P.M.