I remember  Richie from Horrocks Street in Northeast  Philadelphia. 
We played baseball together. His father Harry played with his band at my Bar Motzvah.
Richard Krassen  1-267'303 7054 cell
For more.

From my very  first rehearsal with the Cleveland Orchestra to my retirement in 2008, Rich always had a warm twinkle in his eye as he greeted me with his special nickname for me....”Rookie”.  He helped to make me feel welcome immediately,  usually teasing me to ease my nervousness when I was a new member.

The music world has lost a wonderful and talented man!

Judy Berman Fried

I too remember the fall of 1968 when Mr. Weiner took over the percussion studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music.  What a difference he made in my life. When I heard recently that he had retired from the orchestra,  I thought of reaching out to him to thank him for everything.  But being 50 years later, I hesitated.  Now I regret not saying thanks. But here it is - thank you for your patience,  your understanding,  your encouragement and for always wanting to raise the musical bar. You will be missed.

In the Fall of 1968, an inncent boy from Toledo took his first percussion lesson at the Oberlin Conservatory.  His teacher, Mr. Weiner, gave him an assignment which was to be prepared for the next week's lesson that so overwhelmed that boy that he wondered if perhaps he should just pack up his student model snare drum and go home.

Four years after that first lesson,  Mr. Weiner welcomed me into the percussion section of The Cleveland Orchestra with a congratulatory phone which ended with his telling me never to call him Mr. Weiner ever again, because from that day we were colleagues. I was humbled by his trust in me, a trust that never faltered throughout the 40 years or so that I had the honor of performing with this master percussion player.

Rich spoke often about leaving a legacy as a great performer, which he did without question. What he may not have realized was that he was building a legacy greater than that of just a performer. He created the legacy of a great man, a man who treated everyone he encountered with kindness and compassion,  who did his best to better the lives of those around him, and who lived a life of incomparable integrity. He never spoke of being a role model, either onstage or off, but the example he set for me and for countless others has influenced me every day throughout our 50 year friendship.

His physical presence certainly will be missed, but his striving for excellence, his kindness, his integrity....his true legacy of being a great man....will be with us always.

Don Miller




Richard was a mench. He had great energy and cared for the orchestra like a great uncle, always focused on what was best for each player. As for me, personally,  he was always quick with a hug and a smile. My most heartfelt condolences for his family. May his memory be for a blessing,  always.
 Karen Zauder Brass

OBITUARY

Richard Weiner

8 March, 1940 – 30 December, 2018

Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel

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