Neil Weir

Neil, 78, of Flourtown, PA, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2021, from complications of congestive heart failure. Born October 16, 1942, to David and Helen (nee Walls) Weir, he was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Quinn and brothers David and John and survived by sisters Sallie Ianieri (Joseph) and Kathleen Martin and a brother, James (Patricia). He is also survived by his beloved wife and best friend of over 60 years, Karen (nee Summerlin), children Michael (Brenda) and Linda Kerper (Charles). He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren Christine, Morgan, Madison, and Elisabeth as well as by great-grandchildren Christopher, Michaela, and Eric William and numerous nieces and nephews. Also mourning his loss are countless friends from every phase of his life—childhood pals, work colleagues, and retirement card-playing buddies. He treasured every single one of them. They were always such an important part of his life that his children and grandchildren grew up under their wings and now call them friends. One might say Neil created a village. He was generous, helping family and friends without question. He loaned his truck (with or without him in it), his time, his money, and anything else you needed and he possessed. He was free with his kindness and affection (and his advice!) to those around him and loved nothing more than a cold beer, a hot meal, and a good bear hug (and a back scratch while you were in position). A life-long union man and proud of it, Neil was a Local 542 Operating Engineer for 40 years and worked hard, providing for his family and making a name for himself as someone who was good at what he did. Employed by Geppert Brothers, Henkels and McCoy, and K.E. Siefert over the years, he really, truly enjoyed his work. He would gladly tell you about digging footers for a new hospital wing while Karen was in labor, and the nurses called to him out the window that it was time to come in now! He was in on the demolition of Connie Mack Stadium as well as so many other projects that were fascinating to hear about. Potter County was his favorite place on earth, and he treasured every single minute he spent there. While hunting and fishing slowed for him in recent years, social visits continued right up through the annual July 2020 family visit last summer. He also got to spend time with his son Michael at his home in Tioga County, and he was so happy about that. Having received his first vaccine on February 5 and on schedule to get the second, it was expected he would be with us for a bit longer, puttering about the house, enjoying good food, crosswords, and old westerns on TV. However, a visit to the hospital on February 23 for what seemed to be the occasional fluid buildup around the heart/lungs that he had previously experienced made it clear that the long, well-fought battle was nearing the end. The decision was made on Wednesday, February 3, to bring him home the next day. He was part of that conversation, and he was very clear that home is where he wanted to be. Neil was in his own room with his loved ones for his last hours, and he left us just after midnight on the 5th. He knew he was loved, and he passed peacefully in his sleep. Per his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes will make their way to Potter County. No immediate service or gathering will take place. COVID-19 took away his last year of visitors—both family and friends—and he missed each and every person. We will mourn his death and celebrate his life later this year—in good weather, outdoors, and with all who knew him. He would love a good party. For those who wish to honor his memory, donations in Neil’s name can be made to American Legion Post #10 493 S Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA, 19034, attention Post Chaplain.