Dr. Stephen J. Weissberger

Dr. Weissberger was the son of the late Harry and Leah Weissberger and the husband of the former Essie Zilenchick. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February.

He attended elementary and high school in Taylor, Pa., where he was the salutatorian of his high school graduating class. He graduated from Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1965. He then joined the Air Force where he was stationed in Orlando, Fla.

In 1968 he opened his dental office on South Main Street in Taylor and remained there until its recent closing. Doc, as so many called him, never wanted to retire. He loved his work and thought of every patient as family. He was the proud father and grandfather to his 4 children, their spouses, and 10 grandchildren.

A strong advocate for higher education, he always encouraged his children to reach their highest goals and was so proud of their accomplishments. He founded the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter, where he served 5 years as President and over 20 years as treasurer. He also ran its annual dinners for 39 years. These dinners featured many prominent Penn State coaches, players, and staff members. The money raised went toward scholarships and programs at Penn State Scranton and University Park. Dr. Weissberger and his wife were members of Penn State's Ridge View Society. In memory of their parents, they established a scholarship for students attending Penn State.

Most of all he loved his family and spending as much time as possible with them. He loved teasing his grandchildren, quizzing them on math problems, and having them correct him when he messed up the alphabet. Other loves included grocery shopping, Penn State football, tailgates, trips to bowl games, the Steelers, the Pirates, sports gambling, casinos, and talking sports to his many friends and family. His office served as a gathering place where friends would meet for a laugh or lighthearted story. Also, he loved his lunchtime outings with all his local friends.

He was a member and board member at Temple Israel, on the Advisory Board of the Scranton campus of Penn State, a board member of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Northeastern PA, a member in perpetuity of the Scranton Jewish Community Center, and a member of the Scranton Dental Society, American Dental Association, and Taylor Hose Company. For many years Doc volunteered at the Jewish Federation Dental Clinic. He was voted Penn State Alumnus of the Year in 1985 and is a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

Surviving are his wife, Essie; children, Alan (Dayna), Beth (Jeremy), Randi (Mike), Eugene (Marcie); and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Fred (Myra); and sister, Myra (Charlie); cousins, niece, and nephews.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 1 PM in the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 East Drinker Street in Dunmore. Interment will take place in the Taylor Section of the Dalton Jewish Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the family residence on Thursday 4-7 p.m. Saturday after sundown, and Sunday 4-7 p.m. Minyan will be held at 5:30 p.m.

All those unable to attend may view the service via livestream on the funeral home Facebook page or directly at www.scrantonfilms.com/livestream.

To offer the family an online condolence or for more information, visit www.ScrantonJewishFunerals.com.