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JOHN WEINER Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN WEINER
Fay Fallon Baker
June 24, 2013
To Sara and the family - loved your Dad - he was my eighth grade English teacher - he would always sit on the desk showing off his latest pair of socks - especially argyles. He said that the socks you wear show your personality! He wore a beard in those days - what a handsome fellow to the end. Fond memories of your Dad and you too - you were such a sweetie when you came to EHS. Take care Fay Fallon Baker
Daddy's in Heaven Now
Ricki
June 7, 2013
Forever loved, admired and missed.
Love you Dad, we will see you again!
Richard Garfunkel
June 4, 2013
As the Poet has said, “Time flies,” and on the other hand Napoleon was quoted famously when he remarked to Marshal Ney, “I can grant you any request but time.” Over these long years I had grown to admire John and his cool demeanor, wise counsel and excellent sense of humor and perspective.
John was one of those rare individuals who was really comfortable in his own skin and had learned to keep his ego in check. Maybe that comes from a long life, dotted with “ups and downs” and a vast variety of experiences. John understood the exquisite difference between the arrogance of power and force and the cool headed leadership of reason. He learned that as an athlete, a soldier, an innkeeper and a teacher. He innately understood the greater meaning of life and never got bogged down in the nit-picking of minor issues. He had a long view regarding people and their needs and though he understood clearly the difference between right and wrong and good and bad taste, he also knew that others had different frames of reference.
There have been countless examples elucidating, both the nuanced differences of perspective and the object lessons of films like Rashomon, which clearly reflected how separate views on the same object or incident can bring forth different rationales. John understood clearly the thinking of the “other guy.” His experience as an American soldier, whose immediate post war activities and responsibilities were the occupation and de-Nazification of a corrupted people, brought him deeply into the “Belly of the Beast” of human degradation. Many times, I spent hours listening to his remembrances of those halcyon and victorious days after the war in defeated Germany. He was always amazed at the attitude of the average German and he was equally shocked that a sophisticated people could both be hypnotized by Hitler and convinced to become barbarians. That experience in the war had a searing affect on all who served, and John was for sure not alone in his feelings. He was always writing and re-writing his memoirs of that cataclysmic time. John, like many other of those warriors of another time, never flaunted his experiences or his record. He never reveled in the past as some did, and never attempted to capitalize on the coincidence of fate that brought him into the world's great conflagration. He never exploited his former rank or his exploits. Typical of John's great sense of humor, droll perspectives on history and the issue of so-called “greatness,” was his chance “encounter” with General George S. Patton, in an Army infirmary. It was a priceless story, which I cannot do justice to here and now, but very often, whenever an issue came up that reflected pomposity, I referenced it to John and he smiled deeply. It became a “code” phrase between us and it always brought a chuckle.
John had a life-long interest in history and was always trying to solve the riddle of why mankind constantly fought with itself. He excused no one and even within his own idea of race and religion he excused no single group. He was an opponent of orthodoxy of any kind and always believed that religion, in its essence, caused many of the problems of humankind. It was a paradox that he and countless others have debated for eons. John was also a reader and a worshipper of books and the written word. He loved books and felt that the only true way to learn was to read. How correct he was. He knew the limitation of teaching, but understood the limitlessness of the mind. He knew that only through reading could one really be truly educated. All great teachers most basically are entertainers and John was no different. He understood that one had to grab the attention of the student and hold them tightly. Part of that skill is to convince the student to “buy in” to what is being said. But to support and sustain that proposition, one must read to understand in depth any thesis or concept covered in class. Life should be an every day learning experience and John sincerely believed and practiced that concept.
One of my earliest and fondest memories of John was our efforts to collect books for his “free” book exchange at the Grace Church in the heart of White Plains. John and I would often go out on expeditions to find books and one of his greatest resources was the Vassar College Alumni Book Fair, which was held annually in the parking lot of the Port Chester Shopping Mall. Every year, for days hundreds of folks perused the stacks of books and on the Sunday after the fair, the books were left for whoever could haul them away. On Sunday, after the fair, John and I would drive there early in the morning and pick up whatever could be fitted into my car. These books would supplement the inventory of books he was already storing at the Grace Church. Even though many of the so-called “city fathers” and their acolytes opposed his efforts, John was not intimidated or deterred. He asked for, but did not insist on a donation for each book. Often he got one, but not all the time. The money was used to employ “homeless” individuals at the “exchange” and the surpluses were donated to help the homeless throughout the region and the State of New York. He was later honored for his efforts on many levels and one year he was cited by the State of New York as the “Senior of the Year.” John also knew his customers and kept a record of who wanted which type of book. He always saved FDR and World War II books for me and I was always grateful for his thoughtfulness. I have two wonderful and marvelous histories; one the autobiography of Ulysses S. Grant and the other; the massive Hay and Nicolay biography of Abraham Lincoln. Speaking of collecting, both John and Lynne loved to collect interesting and eclectic pieces from their various trips. Their house was festooned with remarkable artifacts, interesting art and knick-knacks.
As to politics, when I met John, I found out he was a registered Republican, but a philosophical liberal. I always asked him why he registered Republican and he answered intelligently that with a registered Democrat and a Republican in his house he got the literature from both sides. In actuality, when we met, over forty years ago, he was quite the political independent. But, over the years, as the Republican Party became much more radicalized, his distaste with their policies became quite apparent.
John always loved White Roe Lake in Livingston Manor. He was born and brought up there and like many of us, he had a warm spot in his heart for those long-gone days. He loved to tell stories of his life at the hotel and the entertainers who came and went. Some, like Danny Kaye and Henny Youngman went on to national fame as hundreds of others passed though the “Borsht Belt” and the “Jewish Alps” on their way to other pursuits. I loved looking at the pictures of the starlets that adorned the walls of your home. John was never a “name-dropper” and that reflected the essence of his character. He didn't rely on connections and his past accomplishments as a passport for the future. He dealt with the here and now, always staying current.
John liked to do almost everything and when we were all younger I got on the tennis court with him. As he got older, I believe he was unhappy that he couldn't really play any more. Generally speaking he loved doing things, he never complained to me about really anything except his frustration with the far right wing.
Schear Family
June 3, 2013
Dear Lynne,
The entire Schear family extends its love to you at this difficult time. John was an amazing person and humanist and a great and loyal friend to our Stanley.
The Schear Family -- Doris, Stuart & Jeff
Eileen Abrahams
June 2, 2013
Mr. Weiner was one of my favorite teachers at Edgemont. He was an advocate for what would become known as multicultural literature, and his class (eventually) inspired me to become a professor of English. We lost a kind, gentle teacher & a wonderful man: rest in peace, Mr. Weiner, & much peace to your family.
jay bloom
May 31, 2013
Hi lynn -sorry to learn of John's passing I was a bell hop at White Roe when he was in charge of reservations - i saw you at Mack's funeral and gave a speech for Mack at the request of Mack's wife Jean and spoke with john after the service please advise date and location of john's memorial service my grandsons now attend Edgemont elementary school my e mail is [email protected] tel: 718 4792936 my deepest sympathy Jay Bloom
Greg Sullivan
May 29, 2013
Dear Lynne,
My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family, at John's passing. Growing up two doors away, I remember playing with young Dennis Hawkins in your back yard. Later, working for John at Free Books for the Homeless at Grace Church, was both inspirational and transformative for me. John was a great man, a keen wit, superior intellect and dear friend. Like a second grandfather to me. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Greg and Josephine Sullivan
Pamela Borgeson Montgomery
May 28, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Weiner was my 8th grade English teacher when I was new to Edgemont -- he made me feel very welcome. My vocabulary is forever enhanced by his clever use of New Yorker cartoons to learn new words. A wonderful teacher.
Richard & Linda Garfunkel
May 28, 2013
The Garfunkel family lost a great friend, with the passing away of John Weiner. John died the other day at age 93, only a couple of weeks before his 94th birthday, which fell on June 6, D-Day. On Tuesday, I spent an hour at their home on Park Circle with Lynne and John's nephew Philip Lehrman. John will be buried up in Livingston Manor, NY, where he was born and raised. There will be a memorial service for him in White Plains the following week.
John was a graduate of Cornell, a polo player in college, and from a family that was in the hotel business in White Roe Lake, Livingston Manor and Florida. He was a decorated Captain in the US Army Signal Corps, was awarded the Bronze Star, among other decorations, and served with distinction in the European Theater of Operations. He was a handsome fellow that palled around with Broadway actors, beautiful ingénues and comedians like Danny Kaye and Henny Youngman, who worked in the mountains at his father's hotel. We actually went out to dinner with the late Henny Youngman, who worked at their hotel, his significant other (at the moment) and the Weiner's, after seeing a young Michael Feinstein perform. Henny was always in character and was quite funny. John also knew entertainment megastars; Leonard Bernstein and Danny Kaye quite well. Not long after he was married to Lynne Lehrman, the daughter of Dr. Philip Lehrman, one of America's finest and earliest psycho analysts, they traveled to Israel (1949 or so) and they met the famous Lee Pressman on board ship the SS Washington. Lee and his wife were well known New Dealers and Lee even knew FDR. He and Sidney Hillman were a few of FDR's strongest Labor supporters. The Pressmans lived in Mount Vernon, NY, and were the parents of my classmate Sue Pressman.
John later taught at the Edgemont Jr/Senior HS, where he had acquired a terrific reputation. He founded a free book exchange program there, which received statewide notoriety. After he retired, he continued that work at the Grace Church in White Plains, John and I would go out early on Sunday mornings after the yearly Vassar Book Fair was held in the Port Chester Shopping Center's parking lot and pick up all of the abandoned books and bring them to Grace Church or his garage. John would give them away, usually for a small donation, which would go to the homeless. Over the years, he distributed tens of thousands of books and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. He was eventually cited by the State of NY as the “Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year” for his remarkable work. I still have many of those books. I especially cherish President US Grant's famous autobiography, and the multi-volume, Hay and Nicolay biography of Lincoln.
John and Lynn were married for more than 65 years and they were the parents of three children; Erica, Meyer and Sara. They had some remarkable experiences, travelled widely and Lynne developed a later career exhibiting her father's remarkable home movies of Sigmund Freud and most of the famous psycho analysts of Europe and America. She also had the only movies of "Operation Magic Carpet," which chronicled the remarkable effort to bring 46,000 Yemini Jews to Israel in 1949.
John was a heroic member of the “Greatest Generation,” a patriot, educator and humanitarian. Time with him was always priceless and his sense of humor and values were spot on. I can remember vividly his fabulous 90th birthday party and the amazing fact there was a horse on his lawn and John was able to get up with his polo helmet and mallet. That scene was priceless.
Terry Joshi
May 28, 2013
Lynn and family - I was so saddened to see that you have lost John. White Roe was a part of my childhood, and as an adult I know from conversations with John that we shared the same political and social sensibilities, which was a gratifying experience to have with one of my parents' friends. If my parents were still with us, they would be as sad as I am to know that such a great light is gone. So I will speak on behalf of all the Roscoe Goldsteins and express our sympathy for your loss. All best, Terry Goldstein Joshi
May 26, 2013
Mr. Weinberg was my 8th grade English teacher, he was a wonderful, caring man who made each of us feel so special. I remember him with great fondness.
Iris (Greer) Gilligan
Arthur Scolari
May 26, 2013
He would say "you are a gentleman and scholar" and I tried to prove him right. He set the standard for the rest of us to follow. He was a gentleman and a scholar. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Leslie Haber
May 26, 2013
Dear Lynn, beautiful wife, (my favorite cousin), and mother of three beautiful children,
I am saddened by the inevitable news. I share the wonder of your lives together, now ours to celebrate and nourish.
I have childhood memories of the visits to your home, and the pleasure of being with you and John, and my parents, who so loved and admired your family. I am fortunate to have the photographs my father took, when we werex together. I think about you, especially, in this hour of grief. Love to you all.
Goodnight, sweet Prince.
Cousin Leslie.
.
Holly Miller
May 25, 2013
Mr Weiner was by far the greatest teacher I have ever encountered he was innovative creative and truly loved working with children I send my love and sympathy to his family you are all in my heart and prayers
roger weisman
May 25, 2013
He was a great teacher. I always enjoyed the way he had us use New Yorker cartoons to improve our vocabulary. He also told the best stories about WWII. He was truly part of the greatest generation.
May 25, 2013
He was a great English teacher. I remember well his teaching English and using New York magazine cartoons as part of lesson. Ken lefkowitz Edgemont high school 1976
Randi (Golomb) Cunningham
May 25, 2013
Mr Weiner was my 8th grade teacher @ Edgemont - a teacher you never forget. He got me hooked on the NYTimes crossword. Sorry to hear of his passing, he was a wonderful man.
May 25, 2013
What a wonderful man and legacy. I was lucky to have him as my teacher. My condolences to Mrs. Weiner and family.
Sincerely,
Cathy Guida Morris
Cathy Guida Morris
May 25, 2013
What a wonderful legacy and man. I am fortunate to have been one of his many students. My condolences to Mrs. Wiener and the rest of the family.
Sincerely,
Cathy Guida Morris
Patricia Nicolais
May 25, 2013
Mr. Weiner was my 8th grade English teacher at Edgemont many, many years ago. I remember him fondly as a kind, gentle man and a wonderful, patient teacher. May he rest in peace
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