1941 – 2007

 Quinebaug, CT- John “Jack” Weiss, 65, of Quinebaug, CT died unexpectedly at home on Friday, February 9, 2007.  He leaves his loving wife of 42 years, Christina (Pillsbury) Weiss.  Mr. Weiss is also survived by his sister Patricia (Weiss) Mattson and her husband Robert of Crosslake MN and several nieces.  He was the son of Everett A. and Myrtle R. (Buckler) Weiss.  Born in Springfield MA, he later lived in Sanford ME.  He graduated from Sanford High School and also Nasson College in Springvale ME.

Mr. Weiss made his home in Quinebaug in 1969.  He worked as a Manufacturing Engineer at the American Optical Company in Southbridge MA for 18 years.  He later worked in the Information Technology Departments at the former Central New England College in Worcester MA and Nichols College in Dudley MA until 1998.

Jack joined the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department in 1971 as a Fire Fighter and EMT, and also served as its Secretary and President.  He was an active member of the CT Eastern EMS Council from 1973 to 1995, the Putnam/Pomfret Ambulance Corps., and the Community Fire Company Ambulance in N. Grosvenordale CT.

He was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America for much of his life.  He served as Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 164 at American Optical in Southbridge for several years.  Upon the re-establishment of Troop 30 at the Fire Department, he was an Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, and Institution Representative.

Nipmuck District/CT Rivers Council positions included Training Chairman, District Committee, Venturing/Exploring Chair and Commissioner, and District Chairman.  He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow beginning in Maine and later obtained Brotherhood and Vigil Honor in the Tischitani Lodge.

Jack’s Memorial Service will be held at the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department, Route 131, Quinebaug CT, on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 11:00 am.  Burial will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Biddeford ME at a later date.  Gilman-Valade Funeral Homes have been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either the John L. Weiss Memorial Fund, c/o The Friends of J.N. Webster Scout Reservation, 100 Lake Road, Jewett City, CT 06351 or the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 192, Quinebaug, CT 06262.