Philip W. Weiss Obituary
March 19, 2025
MACOMB, IL –– Philip W. Weiss, 80, of Macomb, died peacefully on March 1, at Wesley Village.
Weiss was predeceased by his wife, Margene and sisters, Valerie and Charlotte. He is survived by his nephew, Glen Fritz of Virginia; niece, Stephanie Walters of Houston, Texas; brother-in-law, John Edwards of Clovis, California; and devoted caregiver, Tina White.
Weiss graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and earned a master's degree from the University of Kansas. A lifelong learner, he eagerly participated in Learning Is ForEver (LIFE) classes through Western Illinois University's Continuing Education program during his retirement.
Weiss and his wife taught English at WIU and he later served as an advisor in the Communication Department. A serious film enthusiast, he taught film classes and managed Cinema I and II for several years.
International travel was an important part of Weiss and Margene's lives, with France, Egypt and especially Italy among their favorite destinations. He wished for his ashes to be spread on the Arno River in Florence, a city they loved.
Despite coping with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that gradually caused blindness and hearing loss, Weiss remained an avid reader through Talking Books. A former volunteer at Friends of the Library book sales, he read widely, favoring history, art and mysteries, often finishing nearly a book a day. His remarkable memory of what he had "read" impressed his friends. He always put the books aside to listen to NPR's Sunday Baroque, indulging his love of classical music.
Weiss was an intellectual with a generous heart, sharing his advice, counsel and financial support with those in need. After Margene's passing, he became a local philanthropist, donating generously to the YMCA, Macomb Art Center, WIUM, the Humane Society and Samaritan Well. Memorial donations may be made to any of these Macomb organizations.
Weiss wished to be cremated and Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A service honoring his life will be planned for a later date.
To leave condolences or sign the guestbook, visit dodsworth.com.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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