Benjamin Paul Weiss

August 24, 1931 – June 18, 2026

Ben Weiss built his life around his family and his faith. He was happiest among his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and devoted to his Judaism—davening with a minyan, keeping kosher, loving Israel and his people. He was also a gifted artist, a writer, and a chess player who never lost his sense of humor. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born in Chicago in 1931 to Barnett and Jeanette Weiss, he started out selling insurance, then served two years in the Army at Bremerhaven, Germany, from 1951 to 1953. He was an artist his whole life—while stationed overseas he published a book of his own humorous sketches, and he never stopped drawing.

He taught for a while, became a respiratory therapist, and worked his way up to Chief of Respiratory Therapy at Simi Valley Adventist Hospital. Later he struck out on his own, founding American Medical Resources in Los Angeles, where he bought and sold used medical and hospital equipment.

Ben took up writing in earnest later in life, and he was good at it. He wrote two fantasy novels for young readers, JJ and the Sassy Cat and The Roaring Soaring Elephant Monkey Boy. He wrote poems and articles, contributed regularly to the newsletter at RH Myers Senior Living, and taught a writing workshop there. His articles usually found something funny to say about getting older and the peculiarities of senior living—he had an eye for it.

He studied Psalms and Chumash with devotion, held the Jewish holidays close, and prayed faithfully on his own when he couldn't be with a minyan. His faith and his people were never far from his thoughts. And he loved his family more than anything.

At the center of it all was Diane, his wife and partner in everything. Theirs was a beautiful bond—they did everything together. Her passing was very hard for him, and he spoke of her every day. Now they are reunited.

Benjamin is survived by his children, Rabbi Stephen Weiss (Naomi), David Weiss (Barbara), and Madison Mikel Weiss (Lisa Schimmel). He was the cherished grandfather of Rivka (Aron) Cohen, Menachem Weiss (Sofia DeArrigunaga), Yael Weiss, Mara (Oren) Bitton, and Sam Weiss, and the proud great-grandfather of Emmett Cohen and Ora Cohen.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane Weiss; his parents, Barnett and Jeanette Weiss; his brothers, Irwin Weiss and Robert Weiss; and his sister-in-law, Judith Weiss.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Bet Olam Cemetery in Beachwood, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Friends of Magen David Adom. The family will observe shiva at the home of Naomi and Rabbi Stephen Weiss, Monday through Saturday, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

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