Obituary of Donald William Weith Jr.

Donald William Weith Jr. age 76 of Wheeling. Beloved husband of Arlene (nee Nowalany) for over 28 years. Loving father of Denise (Daniel) Ryan and Daniel (Meredith) Weith, stepfather of Rhonda (Bill Sexauer) Roger and David Wichman. Fond brother of Joyce Minear and Nancy (late Louis) Solare and fond second cousin of Carolyn (nee Samlow) Peithman. Uncle, cousin, and friend of many. He graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago in 1961. and earned his certificate in Heating and Air Conditioning from William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, IL. He was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 73 in Chicago for over 50 years. Early in his career he was employed in the construction of the Willis Tower. (formerly the Sears Tower), where he could be found working on steel beams above the 70th floor providing an exceptional view of Lake Michigan and his beloved City of Chicago. He was a long-time employee of Paul Davis Pharmacy located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, a position he started when he was an adolescent. Many friends and neighbors knew to look for him there every Saturday. He was a skilled gardener who excelled in growing tomatoes, roses, hostas, trees, and a lawn he would cut in a pattern to resemble the grass of Wrigley Field. He enjoyed fishing for bass and bluegill, maintaining a fresh water aquarium, feeding the birds, and watching wildlife. He was always eager to point out white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks and other critters. His artistry as a professional welder was unmatched. A man of many mechanical skills from auto repair to home maintenance, roofing, painting, plumbing, electricity and woodwork. He was generous in helping of others. Resourceful, creative, industrious and thrifty he excelled at repurposing many items and giving them new life. He strove for perfection in all that he did and instilled that value while teaching others in that task. In his retirement years as his health was declining, he spent many hours researching his family genealogy using the internet as a tool. He also enjoyed playing electronic online games. Due to his exposure to harmful byproducts of welding and lifelong tobacco use he succumbed to complications of COPD and emphysema at home with his loving family at his side. Private graveside service at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, IL. During this time of disconnect it is imperative to share your support at www.funerals.pro. There you can share a memory, a story, or even a picture. Any act of kindness will be greatly appreciated or call 847-537-6600. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed the companionship of his pet dogs, in particular the homeless cocker spaniels from Shorewood Cocker Rescue, Inc. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Shorewood Cocker Rescue, Inc. at www.cockerrescue.net in Don’s name.