Leo Weiner the 11th of 12 children, born to Fanny and Isadore Weiner, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25th surrounded by his wife and children. A World War II Navy Veteran and a child of the depression, Leo was resilient, strong-willed and focused – traits that served him well throughout his life.
He understood the power of family and committed himself to ensuring that his family would always be loved and supported. He kept that commitment and derived joy by being surrounded by his loved ones until his last days.
In 1960 he married the love of his life Rhoda Reitman, proposing only 6 weeks after meeting her. They brought up Faith, Larry and Sheryl honoring their commitment to family – spending time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and many, many cousins. Family was always put first. Content to sit on the couch, Leo let Rhoda take the lead, never saying no to her plans.
With Rhoda by his side, they set off on their adventure and together they celebrated the high points and persevered through tough times and tragedy. The loss of Sheryl in 1983 tested the family in a way no one could imagine. Nothing kept him down though. Everything he did was for his family and he always put himself last. The love of family was all he needed. He had an iron will and a temper, but underneath was a sensitive loving guy who would give you the shirt off his back.
Rhoda and Leo’s love deepened through their 60 years of marriage. Even as his health failed, he would always say “I’m fine as long as I have my beautiful wife.”
Leo loved sports. He could sit and watch baseball, football and golf all day long. He especially loved the Red Sox and took great pride in watching them win the world series in 2004. He never imagined being up close and personal with the team. He cherished spring training and Fenway park and all the friends he made along the way as the unofficial mascot. More wonderful memories to cherish. When he spent summers in Boston with Faith and her husband, Rick Tweedy, it was Rick who joined him on the couch every night to cheer on the Sox.
Over the past few years with his memory failing, Leo leaned on Rhoda, his family and friends to keep him upbeat and active. He loved Facetime – and told each person the same thing “I’m good, now that I see you, I am better.”
Leo Weiner was larger than life – leaving this world a better place for all of those who encountered him. Besides Rhoda, his wife of 60 years, he leaves behind two children – Larry Weiner and Faith Weiner as well as his son-in-law, Rick Tweedy and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great-great nieces and nephews who considered him and Rhoda extra grandparents.
Donations in his honor can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter 309 Waverley Oaks Road Waltham, MA 02452.
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