Obituary of Victor S. Weiss

Victor S. "Vic" Weiss, 102, longtime coach and teacher of Athens, PA passed away peacefully on Wednesday,  July 19, 2017 at his home.

He was born on November 20, 1914 in Nazareth, PA in the son of the late Steward W. and Ellen Jane (Sleigerwald) Weiss.

While in high school, Vic was very active in sports, especially excelling in Baseball. His athletic abilities caught the eye of the alumni of Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. With their help, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend the college. During those years, he excelled in both baseball and was the Quarterback for the football team. After graduation, Vic signed with the Washington Senators of the American Baseball League. Becoming a free agent, he signed with the farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1940. During that time, he had the he highest stats among some well-known players. He was at the top with a .356 batting average, 17 home runs, 41 stolen bases, and 99 games played, serving on the annual All-Star Team.

Vic met the love of his life, Gertrude Olivia Michael, and they were married on March 15, 1941. They were a devoted couple and celebrated 75 years of marriage, prior to Gert's death in April of 2016. Vic was a Veteran of the US Army, serving during WWII. Upon returning from the war, Vic began his teaching and coaching career in Freeland, PA. Teaching for 3 years, he once again played professional baseball replacing injured players, and finishing his career with once again high stats.

Vic accepted a teaching position in the Sayre Schools, and he and Gert moved to the Valley in 1948. They were longtime members of the Athens United Methodist Church. Vic taught junior high science and driver education. Doing what he loved he also coached football, basketball, and baseball during his tenure there. In 1956, Vic began his employment with the Athens Area School District to teaching science, social studies, and driver's education. During his tenure there, he served as Assistant Football Coach under Coach John Childs. Together they led the 1956 football team to a championship. In 1959, Vic became the Head Football Coach for 9 years, with 53 wins, including the 1962 undefeated Athens Bulldogs Team. During his career, he was an inspiration and role model for the students he taught and the teachers as well, retiring in 1978. In 1998, Vic was inducted into the Moravian College Hall of Fame for exemplifying the qualities of leadership and service in both his professional and personal life. Vic and Gert both of whom were very athletic and loved sports, raised two sons, Robert, and Donald. All three men were honored by being inducted into the Athens Area High School Sports Hall of Fame. Vic was inducted into the Sayre School District Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments while teaching and coaching in the district.

During his life, Vic touched many lives not just by his teaching by living his life as an example to all. He will be remembered in the Valley area for many years to come. What Vic valued most in life besides his love for his family were the many people he met and friends that he made while living in the Valley.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Gertrude Michael Weiss, son Donald Weiss in 2010, sister, Mary, and brothers, George, Sam, Arthur, John, and Robert Weiss.

Vic is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert "Bob" and Tracy Weiss of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren, Jessica, Angela, Stuart, and Grace, great-granddaughter, Caeli and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 3pm at the Tioga Point Cemetery, 803 North Main Street, Athens, PA. Burial will follow at the Cemetery where Vic will be laid to rest with the love of his life, Gertrude.