Obituary for Philip S. "Phil" Weiss
Philip Sam Weiss passed away Friday, May 1, 2020, at home, cared for by his loving wife Marilyn. After an afternoon video conference with his daughter Lori and her family, including great-grandson Benjin, Phil closed his eyes for one last peaceful nap.
He was born August 24, 1938, in Denver, Colorado, to Dorothy and Joseph Hoffberg. After a short stint in his parents’ footsteps as a saloon owner in Boulder, he returned to Denver to work in concrete and construction sales, building a beautiful home for his children Lori and Scott. Career opportunities took him in 1982 to Dallas, Texas, where romantic possibilities also awaited in the form of Marilyn Aronson. The pair moved to Austin in 1983, and they established a family inclusive of Lori, Scott, and her children Greg and Christine. They moved one last time to San Diego in 1987, and wed December 4, 1988.
Phil loved all sports, playing throughout his school days, and coaching youth football and basketball wherever he called home. Despite his travels, he remained loyal to the Denver Broncos, devouring every bit of intel the internet offered on their front office antics, their ownership drama, and their on-field efforts. He was a proud season ticket holder from day one. He was just as fanatical about NCAA Basketball and the San Diego State Aztecs program. Each year, he entered at least two March Madness brackets, though he informed many others’ entries behind the scenes.
Following a 35-year career in concrete and construction sales, Phil stayed active as first a patron, then a volunteer, and finally as a staff member of the San Diego Symphony. His name became synonymous with “Guest Services.” The Symphony was his passion and he greatly valued the relationships and friendships he developed with the patrons, the volunteers, Facilities, Production, and Front of House Department staff. The love and affection between him and those who were close to him is a testament to his legacy.
Phil was also a board member of the Bernardo Heights Community Association, along with clubhouse management duties. He and Marilyn were the youngest when they moved to their cul-de-sac; over the years they made many wonderful friends in the form of new neighbors always at the ready to help the block’s longest serving residents. He and Marilyn further contributed to the community by mentoring three foster children on weekends, seeing them throughout high school to graduation.
His survivors include his wife and partner of 37 years, Marilyn; his daughter Lori Brannan and husband Alan of Lenexa, KS; his son Scott Weiss and wife Julie of Dallas, TX; his step-son Gregory Arens of San Diego, CA; his step-daughter Christine Kutnick and husband Lance of Austin, TX. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Brittne Wassenberg (and husband Zachary), Derek Brannan, and Shelli Brannan; Chandler, Hannah, and Sophie Weiss; Ryan and Jordana Kutnick; great-grandson Benjin Wassenberg; in-laws Elizabeth “Betsy” Burns of Sacramento, CA and Margaret and Herschel Wilonsky of Dallas, TX; and nieces and nephews Robert and Mary Wilonsky of Dallas, TX; Michael and Holly Wilonsky of Jacksonville, NC; Brandi and Joshua Lutzker of Davis, CA; and Brett and Jill Burns of Sacramento, CA. A special thanks to his caregiver Michael Kabanas for his unwavering cheer and relentless optimism these last few months.
Due to social-distancing constraints mandated by the Covid-19 pandemic, a videoconferenced memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 6, at 5 pm PST. We'll gather for a celebration of life when conditions allow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
He was born August 24, 1938, in Denver, Colorado, to Dorothy and Joseph Hoffberg. After a short stint in his parents’ footsteps as a saloon owner in Boulder, he returned to Denver to work in concrete and construction sales, building a beautiful home for his children Lori and Scott. Career opportunities took him in 1982 to Dallas, Texas, where romantic possibilities also awaited in the form of Marilyn Aronson. The pair moved to Austin in 1983, and they established a family inclusive of Lori, Scott, and her children Greg and Christine. They moved one last time to San Diego in 1987, and wed December 4, 1988.
Phil loved all sports, playing throughout his school days, and coaching youth football and basketball wherever he called home. Despite his travels, he remained loyal to the Denver Broncos, devouring every bit of intel the internet offered on their front office antics, their ownership drama, and their on-field efforts. He was a proud season ticket holder from day one. He was just as fanatical about NCAA Basketball and the San Diego State Aztecs program. Each year, he entered at least two March Madness brackets, though he informed many others’ entries behind the scenes.
Following a 35-year career in concrete and construction sales, Phil stayed active as first a patron, then a volunteer, and finally as a staff member of the San Diego Symphony. His name became synonymous with “Guest Services.” The Symphony was his passion and he greatly valued the relationships and friendships he developed with the patrons, the volunteers, Facilities, Production, and Front of House Department staff. The love and affection between him and those who were close to him is a testament to his legacy.
Phil was also a board member of the Bernardo Heights Community Association, along with clubhouse management duties. He and Marilyn were the youngest when they moved to their cul-de-sac; over the years they made many wonderful friends in the form of new neighbors always at the ready to help the block’s longest serving residents. He and Marilyn further contributed to the community by mentoring three foster children on weekends, seeing them throughout high school to graduation.
His survivors include his wife and partner of 37 years, Marilyn; his daughter Lori Brannan and husband Alan of Lenexa, KS; his son Scott Weiss and wife Julie of Dallas, TX; his step-son Gregory Arens of San Diego, CA; his step-daughter Christine Kutnick and husband Lance of Austin, TX. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Brittne Wassenberg (and husband Zachary), Derek Brannan, and Shelli Brannan; Chandler, Hannah, and Sophie Weiss; Ryan and Jordana Kutnick; great-grandson Benjin Wassenberg; in-laws Elizabeth “Betsy” Burns of Sacramento, CA and Margaret and Herschel Wilonsky of Dallas, TX; and nieces and nephews Robert and Mary Wilonsky of Dallas, TX; Michael and Holly Wilonsky of Jacksonville, NC; Brandi and Joshua Lutzker of Davis, CA; and Brett and Jill Burns of Sacramento, CA. A special thanks to his caregiver Michael Kabanas for his unwavering cheer and relentless optimism these last few months.
Due to social-distancing constraints mandated by the Covid-19 pandemic, a videoconferenced memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 6, at 5 pm PST. We'll gather for a celebration of life when conditions allow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.