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MELVYN WEISS Obituary
We mourn the passing of Melvyn I. Weiss, beloved husband of Barbara, devoted father of Gary (Nancy), Stephen (Debra) and Leslie, adored grandfather of Jennifer, David, Matthew, Alex, Samara, Jason and Abigail, endeared brother of Rita (Martin) and admired by dozens of nieces, nephews and loving members of the Bystock Cousins' club. Mel passed away in his sleep on February 2 at the age of 82, surrounded at his Boca Raton home by his loving family. He had been diagnosed with ALS last June, and lived his last days in the warm company of his family and closest friends. Mel was a force of nature, lighting up every room into which he walked. He graduated from CCNY in 1956 and from NYU Law School in 1959, where he later served for many years as a valued member of its Board of Trustees, and from which he was awarded the Vanderbilt Medal in 1993, given annually to an alumnus of outstanding distinction. In 1965, Mel founded the internationally renowned law firm Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach, and over the succeeding decades shepherded the firm into becoming the preeminent American plaintiff's law firm of its time. Broadly described as the first "Dean of the national plaintiff's bar," Mel was known professionally for his unparalleled brilliance and creativity, as well as his fearless resolve in combating corporate wrongdoing on behalf of disenfranchised individuals nationwide. Mel's philanthropy and empathy was equally extraordinary, endowing the Melvyn and Barbara Weiss Public Interest Foundation at the NYU Law School, which has encouraged a generation of young lawyers to accept lower-paying public-interest jobs by forgiving their student loans, among countless acts of generosity. Undoubtedly, Mel's most cherished hours were those spent with his family, most particularly Bobbi, his wife of 60 years, and his seven grandchildren, whose collective love for him was exceeded only by the joy that they brought him throughout their lives. Rest peacefully. We will love you forever. Shiva will be held on Tuesday, February 6 from 12pm to 9pm at the Long Island home of Gary and Nancy Weiss.
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Memories and Condolences
for MELVYN WEISS
Sponsored by David Bergman.
Richard Spring
January 30, 2020
Radiated warmth and brilliance.
Loreta Muskardin
January 29, 2020
Remembering Mr. Mel Weiss on this sad anniversary time , he will always be remembered as a generous and kind man. May he Rest In Peace . The entire Weiss family is in my thoughts and prayers .
Teresa Salzan
May 2, 2019
I worked briefly with Mr. Weiss at his firm right as the allegations came to light. He was the most generous, friendly and down to earth attorney I knew. Even though I was new, he said good morning every day I saw him or if I was in the elevator etc. When we had a scare in Penn Station regarding a fire, I remember seeing his face after we evacuated and he told me it would be ok and to just get home and be safe.
I was so sad to learn of his legal issues and didn't quite believe it. I am saddened to hear about his death and I wish his family well. There has never been anyone that I have met and/or worked for that had the class he had and made a large firm feel like home to employees (even new ones)-this is such a loss and I am so saddened to hear about this.
Sincerely,
Teresa
Loreta Muskardin
November 11, 2018
Dear Mrs.Weiss, Leslie, Gary and Stephen with families
I have just learned with sadness about your Father's death and am deeply sorry for your loss. I'll always remember him as a kind gentleman and wish I could be in the USA to pay my respect and say last goodbye
My sincere condolences to your entire family from me, my brother and sister and Juliana
Loreta
Alvin Mintz
February 17, 2018
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I was a classmate of Mel's at Jamaica High and CCNY. We had a great time during those 8 years.
Sarah H
February 13, 2018
Mel was a courageous spirit and fighter for just causes. He will always be remembered for his generousity and kind heart. RIP Mel-you'll not be forgotten.
Miytchell Lathrop
February 9, 2018
I'm saddened by the passing of my old adversary, but good friend, Mel Weiss. Mel was a tiger, but also a gentleman when not in court. He will be missed.
David Bergman
February 7, 2018
Bobbi, Steve, Gary, Leslie and all of Mel's family and loved ones:
I used to openly refer to Mel as my mentor. I meant that like he was my Rabbi. In so many ways. Of course I respected him for his moral authority and his accomplishments but where I wanted to be most like him was in the way he made other people feel. He told me how I should empower people and make them feel good about themselves and Steve always acted that way and I always felt like he taught me the importance of making people smile and be happy. Matzohbrei Mel was the person I wanted to be. What's mine is yours Mel was the person I wanted to be. Next to my own parents and closest friends, and my brother Steve, Mel had perhaps the most impact on the human being I became. I am forever grateful to have been in his life and I will see that wry smile of his every day. Sorry for your loss, and happy for all of you that you got so much from one of the worlds most special people.
Bradley and Jill Hamburger
February 7, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Weiss family on your loss. Mel was such a unique and impactful person on so many levels. Every time I think of him I smile and have many great impressions that will live with me and have shaped the type of father and friend I want to be.
Mel had a natural gift to connect personally with everybody in his presence, always making them feel special and appreciated. I know that his spirit lives on in all the lives that he made better!
Lori Moran
February 6, 2018
Dear Leslie and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I hope that the love of family and friends will comfort you in the days ahead. It has been many years but I remember your dad fondly.
Love Lori Eisenblatt Moran
Kari Schumacher
February 6, 2018
Mr. Weiss will always be remembered as a strong, kind and caring man. A wonderful employer, devoted husband, father and grandfather, a fearless leader and a generous and thoughtful man who fought endlessly for the rights of others. I had both the honor and privilege to work at Milberg Weiss LLP and will forever cherish my memories and be grateful for all the good times. Rest in Peace, Mr. Weiss, I know that your soul is safe in heaven.
Carrie H.
February 5, 2018
With warmest regards to Mel's family during this time of mourning and loss, Mel was a
wonderful ,warm ,couragous man that took on the world and lived life to the fullest. He was passionate, funny, adventerous and bold. He will be missed by many who knew him. I know I will. With great respect I write this.
Liz Turetsky
February 4, 2018
I will remember Mr. Weiss as a brilliant class action attorney. You dictated many court motions to me when I was a young secretary at your firm when we still used shorthand. I will remember you with high esteem. My condolences go out to your family.
Rick and Jacquie Salomon
February 4, 2018
Mel was a force of nature and his passion for important causes of the day was contagious. He will be greatly missed by us and so many more. Of blessed memory.
Bobbi, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories be a source of some strength at this difficult time.
Rick & Jacquie Salomon
February 4, 2018
Mel was a force of nature and his passion for important causes of the day was contagious. He will be greatly missed by us and so many more. Of blessed memory.
Bobbi, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories be a source of some strength at this difficult time.
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