Dr. Gerald Brett Weiss

Dr. Gerald Brett Weiss, 52, of Palm Desert, CA, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2012 in a tragic bike accident in Indian Wells, CA. He was born on November 20, 1959 to Harry Weiss and Shirley Shnirman in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Dr. Weiss graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and also from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. He completed his residency at Albert Einstein School of Medicine in Bronx, NY and completed his pain fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, NY. He began his medical career in Arizona with his new family. After 11 years, he relocated to Connecticut to be closer to his family and old friends. There, he began his extensive research and treatment into Lyme Disease, in addition to his neurology practice. His love of the desert was a key factor for relocating to California. He joined the medical staff of John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in the Neurology Department with a specialty in Pain Management. Dr. Weiss was quickly respected by the medical community, patients and colleagues alike. Gerald was an avid athlete, advocating and embodying the value of healthy living and lifestyle. He loved playing tennis and instilled his devotion to the sport in both of his sons. He is survived by his loving wife, Melanie Haber, and sons, Joshua, age 17, and Ethan, age 14; his mother, Shirley Weiss, and brother, Laurence Weiss of Wilkes-Barre, PA and New York City, NY. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2012, 12 p.m., at the Ramon Chapel of Forest Lawn Cathedral City, with interment to follow at Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City. Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit mydesert.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun on Jun. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Weiss

Sponsored by family, patients and friends of our beloved Dr. Weiss.

88 Entries

Tammi Cameron

June 1, 2025

I think about him often and how grateful I was and still am to have find him for my Lyme treatment. My health wouldn´t be where it´s at today without him.

Bruce Gooday

June 1, 2025

Still think of Gerry. How kind & gentle man he was.

Lawrence Weiss

June 6, 2024

Every single day I think of my brother. Still find this unbelievable.

Gail Rothstein Forstater

June 4, 2024

This time is always a reminder that we lost Gerald too soon and too young. Remembering him and how he was deeply appreciated and loved by friends, patients and family. My thoughts are with you, Larry and family.

Rose Drew

June 2, 2024

I think of Dr Weiss often. Almost daily at times. Some of the medication he suggested helps me to this day. I'm so sorry his family have been deprived of Gerald all these years. A kind man & brilliant doctor, gone far too soon.
Rose Drew, patient

michele cohen

June 1, 2024

We remember him and his lovely wife and sons. May you be comforted, always.

Cohens

Pam Graf

October 13, 2023

I was just looking up Dr Weiss and found this out, I set up his practice in Yuma. I'm so sorry to here about this, l enjoyed Melanie and Dr. Weiss so much, one of my favorite doctors of all times to set up his practice. One of the goods one gone to soon. Melanie my deepest condolences. Pam Graf

Lawrence Weiss

June 8, 2023

11 years later and I am just as stunned.

Laurie & Tim Briggs

June 1, 2023

Melanie and kids,
Gerald would be so proud of all of you today. Fond memories for you all. xo

Bruce Gooday

June 1, 2023

I was saddened to hear about Gerry's passing just before our 35th high school reunion. I went to high school & college with Gerry. Even roomed with him at Pitt one year. Great guy and from what I'm hearing great physician. Now my son is suffering from chronic Lyme disease and feel cheated from not having Gerry's vast knowledge in this field. But he helped a lot of people along the way so that will be his legacy. God bless.

Lawrence Weiss

June 3, 2022

Every single day I think of my brother.

Rose Drew

June 4, 2020

I was speaking about Dr Weiss just the other day, to Lyme specialists. He was truly tireless in his concern for his patients. I have often been comforted to think about the woman who went into to his hospital, unable to walk due to MS, and Dr Weiss got her back on her feet. Actually I think of your loved one very often. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Lawrence Weiss

June 3, 2020

I. Its him every single day.

LAURIE & BRIGGS

June 1, 2019

I hear how well the boys are doing and the strength you've all shown in Gerald's absence. It's truly a testament to the love your family shared early on and how those memories helped guide you all. Gerald would be so proud of all of you. Gone but not forgotten.

Marianne Rodgers

October 23, 2014

I still want to send a message to the family of this great doctor. I do not know you, but I know the disease your father and husband treated. His loss was difficult and great for you, and you know his loss is great for all the people he was and could have continued to help. He was a rare man. May God comfort you and all those who needed him. He is still missed.

December 2, 2013

Just tried to contact Melanie to get together on my visit to La Quinta but instead read the horrifying news while locating their address. What an incredible doctor, a visionary in his view of seeking out new methods for treatment. What a huge loss for the family, friends, biker friends and patients. His passing will remain a permanent loss for all of us. Broken hearted..... Linda Alber How can I reach Melanie? Would love to speak to her- if anyone can help me. 415-464-1200

November 14, 2013

I just found out. So sad the best LLMD in the business

Ellen

November 13, 2012

It is touching to see how many lives were touched by Gerald. For me, there is also a special bond. After years of suffering, he sent me for tests my own doctors had ignored and diagnosed my brain tumor. Had I not had the opportunity to know him, I could have suffered severe consequences. His memory will live on with his wonderful wife and children!

Rose Drew

August 18, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of this needless tragedy. Dr Weiss was very kind to me when I was his patient in Norwalk. I have NEVER YET found a more conscientious neurologist, nor will I, ever. I'll send on a longer letter later to family. Namaste, Gerald.

August 9, 2012

I am sorry for your loss. He was a good man. Judi

judi logio

August 9, 2012

I am so very sorry to hear of Dr Weiss's passing. I worked with him for 3 years, until he moved to CA...he was a good Dr with compassion towards his patients and he was very kind to us sales reps... My thoughts and prayers go out to you Melanie and your boys.

Judi from Biomed.

August 8, 2012

I worked with Dr Weiss when he was in Yuma. He was a very caring and compassionate Dr. Everyone from YRMC would certainly send their condolences. Jodi Bedell

Kathryn Solovay

August 5, 2012

I had just heard about Gerald's passing a few days ago. Melanie, my heart is so saddened in that I had heard about this so late and could not be there for you during this tragic time. I have so many wonderful memories of Gerald and his love of his family and his children. He was a wonderful caring husband, devoted father and outstanding physician. My prayers and thoughts are with you, your wonderful boys, and your family.

Dan Daube

July 20, 2012

Dear Melanie, Joshua and Ethan
Gerry and I were friends, we would talk and laugh toghether at the gym and sometimes get together out here in Ca.
He always spoke of his family with a deep love. When I asked him about being out here without you he responded just like Gerry would "I miss them, they are the best part of life"
We would get kicked out of the gym at closing time and a few times they locked us in because we were both always squezing a little more workout time in. That was Gerry, squeezing as much fulfilment out of life as he could.
I'm sorry for your loss.
I will deeply miss my friend.
I think I will remember him by staying late at the gym one night and get myself locked in
Hard Working, Fun, a good friend and a good man.
That is who Gerry was to me,
"Good Bye, my friend"

Lauren Oborski

July 18, 2012

My deepest condolences go out to the Weiss family. Dr. Weiss helped me, my sister and my mother for three years battling Lyme. Please know that our visits always left us hopeful to battle the disease due to his warmth, kindness, and selflessness. He was the one doctor who told us we could when everyone else said we could not. My family has most of our health back due to his knowledge and persistence. He showed he cared about his patients, and always greeted us with his signature cup of coffee in hand and warm smile. I want you to know he has greatly impacted our lives and we are all very thankful for all that he did. Deeply sorry for your loss

Lori

July 18, 2012

I am so saddened to learn about the tragic death of Dr.Weiss. I was bed ridden with Lyme disease for 2 years. Dr. Weiss helped me get back on my feet and I now have my life back. He was the kindest most gentle human being and a brilliant doctor. He helped so many of us and we loved him. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My loving prayers and heart go out to comfort his wife, children and family. The world is truly diminished with his passing.

Carol

July 17, 2012

I am shocked and so saddened to hear about Dr.Weiss. My prayers and heart go out to his wife and children. Dr. Weiss treated my two children and myself for lyme disease here in Connecticut. He was a compassionate, humble, brilliant doctor who worked long hours to help his patients live a better life. He is greatly missed by many, and will never be forgotten. I am so very sorry for your loss. If it is any comfort at all, please know how much he was loved by his patients. He was a good man, on a mission to help many.

Barb

July 7, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.I did not know your husband, But knowing the work he did for all of us people with Lyme, He was a very special person. He will be greatly missed. You must be extremely proud. My heart goes out to you. You and your family are in my prayers.

Tim Buford

July 7, 2012

We were very excited when Dr. Weiss came aboard our Hospital. In the brief time I came to know him I found him to be always pleasant, very friendly, funny, and a very caring, meticulous, thorough doctor. His passing is a great loss to our Community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his patients, friends and family.

Len Romberg

July 6, 2012

Gerry was one of my closest friends in college-at Pitt. Though geographic distances were large, especially when Gerry and Melanie moved to Yuma, we somehow were able to reconnect over the years. I was fortunate to be at Gerry and Melanies wedding and most recently visited them in Connecticut (where I met Josh and Ethan) before they again moved West.

I knew Gerry to be a kind, considerate person. He could be so serious yet fun loving and funny.

My prayers and wishes for some sort of healing go to Melanie, Josh and Ethan.

Jill (EEG) Wilson

June 28, 2012

Dear Melanie, Joshua and Ethan,
Hope you remember me because I remember you well. I remember the births of both of your boys. I was shocked by Gerald's death. We worked together for so many years and he was such a wonderful, fun, silly, smart person to work with. Please know how much we missed him, and missed you when you moved back east. My heart hurts for all of you. So very sad that he is gone. Please feel free to contact me in Yuma. Love to you,

mark himelstein

June 27, 2012

Gerald was a childhood friend. We hung out together but fell out of touch when in college. My mom taught both of us in first and third grade and just visited with Shirley and Larry this week. My whole family sends their thoughts and condelences.

Warmest Regards,
Mark Himelstein

Amy Weiss

June 25, 2012

Melanie, I have been trying to reach you. I made an entry earlier this month on this site but I have been trying to obtain your home address. My sister finally provided me with it. Your old email address is no longer viable. I was shocked and extremely saddened to learn
the devesating news about Gerald. My deepest sympathies go out to your children, my Aunt Shirley and cousin Larry. What an accomplished physician he was and I see that he was dearly admired and loved by so many after reading the entries into this guest book. Please send me your email address...my email address is [email protected]. May he rest in peace.

Bruce Gooday

June 24, 2012

I went to school with Gerald both in high school and the University of Pittsburgh where he was one of my roommates. I remember Gerald as a kind and gentle person. It is heartwarming to hear such kind and generous remarks regarding Gerald because that is the man I knew. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and may God bless you all.

Peggy Wilkins

June 22, 2012

Melanie, what a shock for your family. I am so sorry for your loss and pain. I am an hour away, if you need a hug, I will come.
Love, Peggy

Drew Wenck

June 20, 2012

Dear Melanie I remember with great fondness working with Gerry at Memorial S-Kettering.My thoughts are with you and your two wonderful sons.

Andrew Farkas

June 20, 2012

I am very sorry to have heard of your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Stephanie Williamson

June 20, 2012

Dear Melanie,

I am so sorry to hear about your sudden and tragic loss. Please take care of yourself and hug your beautiful children. You and your boys are very much in my thoughts. Sending love to you and your family,

Love, Stephanie

Tory Kiam

June 20, 2012

Dear Melanie,

I am so sorry to learn of this terrible tragedy. You and your boys are very much in my thoughts and prayers.

Gregory Gerard

June 20, 2012

Melanie,
What a terrible sudden loss for you and your boys. My heart breaks for you. Please take care of yourself during such a trying time. If I can be of help in any way, please let me know.
With love,
Greg

Joanne Zervos

June 20, 2012

Dear Melanie,

Bill and I are heartbroken to hear about your shocking loss. Please try as hard as you can to stay strong for your beautiful boys. Their dad's wonderful legacy will live on in them.

You and your boys will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan Friedlander

June 20, 2012

Dear Melanie
My heart goes out to you and your family. You are very much in my thoughts.

June 20, 2012

Melanie,

I am so incredibly saddened to hear of your loss and this tragic circumstance. Much love to you and your family.

Vicky Oliver

June 19, 2012

Dear Melanie and boys,

I'm so sorry to hear about it! Please take care!

Best Regards,
Sian&Rebecca
Weston, CT

Betty G, Iowa lyme activist

June 19, 2012

Melanie and boys,
My heartfelt sympathies to each of you for your deep sudden loss of your husband, dad, and to extended family members.

From what I heard, ALL liked him who went to him for lyme/co-infection help and better QUALITY OF LIFE.

I never knew your husband since I live in Iowa.

However, I was sending out for 6 years LLMD, LYME LITERATE MD LISTS of names, cities, phone, $$, insurance info on our nationwide/international belond docs.

So I sent out his name all the time during these 6 yrs. I never knew anything about him until reading his obituary above.

Gerald, thank YOU for chosing to treat our huge over 1 million lyme/vector-borne community.

REST IN PEACE GERALD.

To his family, if you have favorite videos/tapes, be sure to make EXTRAS RIGHT NOW; put originals in the safe.

play them often when you are sad and missing him; helps hearing his voice/LAUGHTER and watching his gestures and mannerisms.

All onthe www.mdjunction.com LYME board were devastated to read of Gerald's horrible, sudden death when he gave so much of himself in making this a BETTER WORLD.

Hugs,prayers, and best wishes for each of you,

Go to a special place daily and speak to your husband/dad just as you always did; he'll hear you. look for pennies he's going to leave behind for you to find as well.

BettyG, Iowa lyme activist

retired llmd coordinator of names for 6 yrs; former group leader
www.mdjunction.com lyme board

June 18, 2012

Dear Melanie, Joshua, and Ethan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your husband and Dad was a wonderful man and excellent doctor. He helped get us back to health from our Lyme disease. We were very lucky to have known and been treated by him.
Carol and Carla

Wayland's

June 18, 2012

Dear Melanie, Ethan and Joshua, Your husband and father was a a truly sweet,kind and lovable human being. He was allso a kind and brilliant doctor to us. We will miss him greatly and never forget him. God Bless !

June 16, 2012

Dear Melaine and boys ,
I am so sorry to hear about Gerry's accident .
We all had tears rooling down ourfaces in the office .
My heart goes out to you and the boys .
I will contact you personally ; please I will help you with anythig you need.
Deepest symapathy ,
Janet Berkley and Dr. Katz

Peggy-Sue Forster

June 16, 2012

So sorry to hear this news, Melanie. Wishing the best for you and your children.

Keith Doss

June 16, 2012

A great loss, you found things no one else could,that were wrong with me thank you. You will be missed. Keith and Lisette.

Howard Saidman

June 16, 2012

Gerald was a great guy,doctor, father, husband and friend. He will be missed.

Marirose Buckland

June 16, 2012

I am sooo very sorry. the Doc was a High School friend of mine. My thoughts and prayers are coming your way at this sad time.
Marirose-Pointon-Buckland, Kingston, PA

Cindy Williams Leonard

June 16, 2012

I am so sorry to hear this news. Gerry was in my homeroom in high school. He had the nicest smile and was always kind and friendly.

Tina Albright

June 16, 2012

Dear Melanie, We were deeply saddened to hear of Gerald's passing. You, Josh and Ethan are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sending our love and support to you all during this difficult time. With love, Tina

Barbara Hobby

June 15, 2012

Dear Melanie,although I only worked in the Norwalk office for a short time, I did get to know Dr. Weiss. He was a very kind and generous man and I will treasure that time always. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

June 15, 2012

Dear Melanie,

We are so sorry hear about Geralds tragic accident, please exept our sincere condolances for your loss. We are thinking about you and the boys at this time.
Torild and Reed Ameden

Molly Moseley

June 15, 2012

Dear Melanie,
I am heartbroken hearing of your loss. I miss you on the court and want you to know that you and your boys are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love.

Michael Imber

June 14, 2012

Nancy, Gabe, Marty and I send our heartfelt condolences. You are in our thoughts tonight. Mike Imber

June 14, 2012

Melanie,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
sincerely,
Sue and Larry Kirschenbaum

June 14, 2012

We are so very sorry for your loss. We hope you take comfort in your memories. --Sharon and Sarah Tessler

Yvonne D'Aquino

June 14, 2012

Dear Melanie,
My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family as you struggle to understand the meaning behind your tragic loss. I can not imagine how you feel but can only offer a huge hug and deepest condolences from afar.

Donna Pellittieri

June 14, 2012

Dear Melanie
I am so very shocked and saddened by this news. My prayers are with you.

June 14, 2012

With deepest sympathy our condolences goes out to Melanie, Joshua and Ethan. This is a tragic loss. The Weiss family was very active in Weston,CT and we mourn you on this senseless loss.

Weston Parks & Recreation Dept., Gloria, Lynn, Dave and Bill

Tracy Will

June 14, 2012

It is truly hard to find the words to express my deep sadness and grief at the tragic loss of such a great man, and world renowned Lyme neurologist. Dr. Weiss was my Lyme specialist for over 3 years, and if it were not for him, I would probably be in a nursing home now away from my husband and children. He diagnosed me with things no other doctor could find, and set me on the road to healing. Beyond that, we formed a close relationship in the three years that I saw him every two months. I was so sad when he moved to California, but this loss is devastating.

To his family; please know Dr. Weiss saved so, so many lives and was viewed as the top Lyme neurologist in the world. His brilliance and skill brought many patients back from the brink of despair and death.

I pray for peace and comfort for you in these difficult days. Dr. Weiss was such a special man. I'm so sad that his bright light no longer shines on this earth. It will be sorely missed.

Sarah Ruminski

June 14, 2012

My heart goes out to Melanie who I only met once, and Dr. Weiss' children; he was so proud of their tennis skills!! I was a patient of Dr. Weiss for over 3 years..he was one of the few doctors who worked WITH me to devise Lyme treatment plans..he also allowed me to just cry it out sometimes. We talked travel (Israel, the Carribean), politics (and I'm a liberal!!...but our banter was always good fun), running, and cycling, of course. His passion for it was inspirational. Melanie I'm so, so sorry for your loss..and respect the heck out of you for going out to CA w/ your husband and boys and starting over. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Laura See

June 14, 2012

Gerald was a good friend of my brother, Larry Schwartz. I am so sorry for your loss.

June 14, 2012

All our affection and sympathy to Melanie, Joshua and Ethan. My family was very sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts are with you.
- Kimberly Solomon Quinn (Vassar '82, London, England)

Laura Lander

June 13, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to Melanie, Josh and Ethan. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Sylvia Gomez

June 13, 2012

Though we only knew Dr. Weiss a very short time we were shocked and saddened by his death. He was a great help to our family and will be greatly missed.
Edward and Sylvia Gomez

Wendy Clarke

June 12, 2012

Dr. Weiss we will miss you. We celebrate your life, your impeccable care of the patient, your positive outlook, your smile, your kind and humble interaction with others, your taste for sushi, the brown medical bag you carried. We have lost a valuable physician, friend and colleague. May your family be comforted to know you made an immense difference at JFK Hospital. We honor you and are blessed to have known you.

Daniel Zepeda

June 12, 2012

Very seldom we have the opportunity to cross paths with someone as special as
Dr. Weiss, I was blessed and honor to have that opportunity. I met Dr. Weiss at hospital, he treated his patients and staff with respect. A brilliant clinician and a humble man. I considered Dr. Weiss my friend, and I going to miss him. May God bless his soul and his family.

Howard Rockman

June 11, 2012

I am saddened to hear of Gerald's death, he was a childhood friend of mine, one I will always remember..... he was fun, kind hearted and treated everyone with the same compassion. He didn't care what your profession was, or who you knew, he was down to earth. I will miss my childhood friend, may G-D Bless his soul
Howard Rockman, Bayside, Queens NY

Michele and Yaneav Cohen

June 11, 2012

It's hard to express our sadness with the passing of a friend, Dr. Weiss and his senseless death. We pray that his wife Melanie will find strength to continue to guide their beautiful children Josh and Ethan to be like their dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Santos

June 10, 2012

I was a patient at JFK in January in 2012, hospitalized for my MS which had my right leg paralyzed. Dr Weiss was my Neurologist for my 4 day stay and I found him to be very caring and an excellent Neurologist and I was very impressed by him. Thanks to him I am now walking again because of the right treatment he gave me. Thank you Dr Weiss, rest in peace and my sympathy goes out to your wife and sons. I will always remember you.

Marc Roer

June 9, 2012

I went to camp with Gerald and his brother. They were such kind and warm people. This is such a sad loss. From all of us in the Roer family, we extend our most sincere condolences to the whole Weiss family. I pray in time peace will blanket your family.

Linda Popky

June 8, 2012

I knew Gerald in elementary school and high school in Kingston. I never would have passed high school biology without Gerald as my lab partner to do the required frog dissection. What a great career he's had over the last few decades!

I was so sorry to hear of his sudden passing. My condolences to all of the family. May his memory be for a blessing.

Tammi Cameron

June 8, 2012

Dr. Weiss was simply the most brilliant, compassionate, trustworthy doctor I have ever had!! This is such a horrible tragedy that took away a very important person in the Lyme community. RIP Dr. Weiss. I will always be grateful for you giving me hope and success at battling my Lyme nightmare. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Once again, THANK YOU!!

Rob McCowan

June 8, 2012

It was always a pleasure to encounter Dr. Weiss. He was a kind and humble physician with a passion for patient care. It was my honor and pleasure to have known him. My deepest condolences to the Weiss family.

Erica Houston and Shawnika Howell

June 7, 2012

Dr.Weiss was a kind and caring person who showed respect to all JFK staff regardless of job title.His willingness to answer questions and provide information was refreshing and will be missed greatly.

Laurie Briggs

June 7, 2012

It was such an honor and privilege to be at Dr. Weiss' funeral today. We came to hear the many wonderful stories about him being an incredibly brilliant, caring and approachable physician. We also heard about the friend and neighbor we knew simply as Gerald. We knew him as the most humble and unpretentious man who enjoyed staying fit and was devoted to his family. Gone but never forgotten!

Coach - Aztec Tennis

June 7, 2012

Josh,

I will be thinking of you and your family. Please call if you need anything.

Amy Weiss

June 7, 2012

I am a first cousin of Gerald's and just learned about this tragedy today. My heart goes out to Melanie and her two sons and my Aunt Shirley and cousin Larry. Gerald and Melanie attended my wedding over 20 years ago and I attended theirs. This is shocking, devestating news. My deepest sympathy to the family and I do hope that Gerald rests in peace.

Gail Rothstein Forstater

June 7, 2012

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Gerald's family. Gerald was a very kind and sincere human being. His compassion and skills as a physician were an asset to his patients and the medical community. I am saddened by our loss.

Brian Hassan

June 7, 2012

He was simply the best and it was an honor to have known him. Thank you Dr. Weiss. My deepest sympathies to your dear and loving family. There are many people in this world who are better thanks to your gift.
Brian Hassan

Caroline Konczey

June 7, 2012

We recently started our Juice Plus Desert Oasis group, and Dr Weiss was an enthusiastic member. I and our entire group will miss him. Peace and comfort is my wish to his wife and family.

JaneAnn Caruso,RN

June 7, 2012

Sincere condolences to the family of a very special,dedicated physician.Dr Weiss's unique contribution to patient care was respected and appreciated and,will be missed.

Dana & Michelle Crosby

June 7, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the family & friends for this tragic and painful loss.

Daniel Zepeda RN

June 7, 2012

It was an honor to known him, we'll missed him greatly.

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