Obituary of Richard A. Weiss

"I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it." -Mark Twain Richard A. Weiss of Jamestown, NY passed away at home in the early hours of Saturday, October 16th, 2021. He went peacefully, with loved ones by his side. Richard was born January 15th, 1948 in Westfield, NY to John J. Weiss and Margaret A. May Weiss. He was a 1966 graduate of Westfield Academy. He attended yearly class reunions and OX Roasts. He really enjoyed catching up with his Westfield classmates. "Once a Marine, always a Marine". A proud Vietnam Veteran, Richard was drafted and chose to enlist in the Marine Corps, where he served in the 1/7 Marine Battalion from 1968 – 69 as a 0331 machine gunner. While serving he was awarded the Purple Heart and several other distinctions. Richard's affiliation with the Marine Corps was very dear to him. After returning home from service, he was employed by the former Bigelow's department store and Proto Tool, eventually working at the US Postal Service in Jamestown for 26 years before retiring in 1999. Richard received three AS degrees from Jamestown Community College and a Bachelor's degree from Houghton College Pace Program. Richard was a member of Disabled American Veterans Empire State Chapter # 2, Westfield American Legion Post 0327, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8647, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 0865, and the Westfield Moose Lodge. Richard enjoyed most of all spending time with his family. He was an avid reader, especially of history and humor. His favorite authors were, Mark Twain and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He was a classic car enthusiast and attended many car shows with his son, Mark. Another highlight of Rich's life was yearly father/son trips with Mark. Richard's favorite vacation destination was Walt Disney World, where he had over 100 visits. Attending the 1/7 Marine Corps reunions around the country and connecting with his former Marine Corps buddies was something that he greatly looked forward to. His hobbies were watching classic movies, history shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and communicating with his friends on the internet. Richard was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and dog dad. He is survived by his wife, Adrianne M. Page Weiss, whom he married on October 7th, 1978. He is also survived by his daughter Renée Zahm, his son-in-law James Zahm, and his "precious" grandson Paul James Zahm. He is also survived by his son Mark R. Weiss (Abby Johnson, Emma and Logan). He is also survived by a sister, Jayne M. Weiss of Jamestown. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Lind Funeral Home. Per Richard's request there will be no visitation. A private family service will be held. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, the Chautauqua County Library System or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care. Richard's family would like to thank Hospice for all their help and compassionate care during the last four months. Richard was very happy to be able to be cared for at home in his last days.