Richard Weiss

Weiss-Richard David, 52, of Tampa, FL died January 28, 2014, of complications from Cystic Fibrosis. He was a loving husband of Lisa Kassak Weiss, devoted brother of Anthony (Nancy), and the late Arthur (Jan) and beloved son of Mary and Harry Weiss of Palm Beach, FL and Montreal, Canada. Richard is survived by his three nieces Whitney and Lacey Laken, Amelia Weiss and his nephew James Ira Kassak.

Richard graduated Stetson University in Deland, Florida with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1983 and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Following in his father's footsteps as a lumber trader in Canada, Richard joined Tampa International Forest Products, where he enjoyed a very successful 20-year career, one which he shared with both of his brothers. Richard's leadership with the English Springer Spaniel Rescue Society gave him immense happiness and fulfillment. His English Springer Spaniel, Keppie was his pride and joy and the apple of his eye who brought comfort to him and Lisa throughout his life. Richard gave the name "65 Roses" to the fatal, hereditary disease that he fought so courageously to the very end. CF Foundations around the world have used this more palatable pseudonym that he inadvertently proclaimed as his diagnosis at childhood. He had overheard his Mother's numerous telephone conversations attempting to raise funds for a cure. It has created a moniker and a method to explain to afflicted children how to pronounce the name of the horrid disease that to date still has no cure. Richard lived an extraordinary life, loved sports cars, the beach, and threw the best parties as his fraternity's pledge chairman. However, he will be most remembered for his rapier wit, kindness and indomitable spirit. He was driven, optimistic, caring and giving. His death leaves a hole in the lives of all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Palm Beach Chapter, 700 South Dixie Highway, Suite 100 West Palm Beach, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Southwest Florida Office 5100 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609 or English Springer Rescue America, C/O Susan Bell, 33291 Greenwood Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 would be most appreciated.

Funeral services will be held on today at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa. Funeral services followed by interment will be held Friday, January 31, 2014, 12:00 Noon at Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. Condolences may be expressed online at segalfuneralhome.com.