Gerald S. Weiss

Gerald S. Weiss passed from this life on January 4, 2025, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, surrounded by family. He was born in the summer of 1934, on the family farm near Boyertown in Berks County, the youngest of nine children of Alvin S. and Mary E. (nee Sheeler) Weiss. He played football at Boyertown High School and graduated in 1952, then attended Drexel University—raising and selling chicks to pay his first-year tuition—where he graduated with a baccalaureate degree in Chemistry in 1957. He subsequently taught at Drexel and went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965. He was a proud alumnus of all three institutions and credited Drexel University’s co-op program with providing access and opportunity to higher education and preparing him for a career in chemistry. He was an Army veteran, taught at Drexel University until 1967, and was a faculty member at Millersville University for thirty years, retiring as Professor Emeritus of Chemistry in 1997. During his career at Millersville, he served as chair of the chemistry department, chair of the faculty senate, and president of the faculty union, MU-APSCUF. Professionally, he served as the local section chair of the American Chemical Society. He co-authored two widely used textbooks, Inorganic Chemistry with G.C. Demetris, et al, and Experiments in General Chemistry, with his colleagues Thomas Greco and Lyman Rickard. He was preceded in death by his siblings and is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Rebecca (nee Somerall) Weiss of Lancaster, children Monica Weiss-Nolen (Stuart Nolen), Easton, PA; Karen Weiss Jones (Patrick Jones), Yardley, PA; and Randy Weiss (Anne) Lancaster; and four grandchildren Naomi, Newark, DE; Caroline, Framingham, MA; and Jenny and Mary of Lancaster. He was a lifelong baseball fan, first for the Brooklyn Dodgers until they left for Los Angeles, and then the Philadelphia Phillies. He also enjoyed rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles. He enjoyed playing poker with university colleagues once a month for 50 years. In retirement, he was a voracious reader of history and historical fiction. He enjoyed playing bridge until a few months ago, having earned life master status in three remarkable years. He was a loving husband and father and enjoyed spending time with his friends, colleagues, and family, including the annual Weiss family reunion in Berks County. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gerald S. Weiss Chemistry Scholarship at https://www.millersville.edu/give/make-a-gift.php or by calling (717) 871-7520. Family, friends, and former colleagues are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Reception for Dr. Gerald S. Weiss on Sunday, February 2, 2025, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Millersville University, Gordinier Hall, Lehr Room, 40 James Street, Millersville, PA 17551.