Rudolph "Rudy" Matthew Weiss Jr.

Rudolph "Rudy" Matthew Weiss Jr., 80, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, February 1, 2021 at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital. He was born May 22, 1940 in Newark, New Jersey, one of two sons of the late Rudolph Matthew Sr. and Maria (Sauer) Weiss who preceded him in death.

When the children were young, the family moved to Mansfield for a new start in the tool and die business that eventually led to what is now Weiss Industries. Rudy's love of his Catholic faith started as a young man when he served as an Alter Boy at Saint Mary's in Mansfield. He graduated from Madison High School in 1958 and attended Ashland College where he studied Engineering. He also went on to receive an Apprenticeship in Tool & Die Making from the State of Ohio and a Degree in Mechanical Technology at the American Technical Institute.

Rudy was the owner and president of Weiss Industries since 1980. His employees were all like family. Many spent their entire working career by his side. He was especially proud of the awards from customers for exceptional quality and delivery. He also served on the board of the Mansfield YMCA. Rudy was a member of Saint Peter's Catholic Church, Westbrook Country Club, the Crew's Nest on Put-in-Bay, U.S. Power Squadron, Mansfield Elks, the Precision Metal Association (PMA), and Metal Treating Institute, (MTI)

He loved his two favorite girls more than life: Phyllis (Beecham) Weiss, his wife of 38 years, and his daughter Lisa (Weiss) Crandall. Phyllis fell hard for his smile and twinkling baby blue eyes. He often remarked how Lisa was the light of his life and the perfect daughter. His love and dedication toward his entire family was unparalleled.

Rudy also loved boating. He and his wife spent as much time as possible at their boathouse on Sandusky Bay overlooking Cedar Point. He reveled spending weekends at The Crew's Nest on Put-in-Bay, sitting on the front porch with friends and enjoying the beautiful views of South Bass Island. He loved motor sports, cars, and aviation. He often said, "If it has an engine in it, I'm all in!" Rudy also came to love and look forward to the Browns and Buckeyes football games, thanks to his wife's and daughter's conversion.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Phyllis, daughter, Lisa Weiss (David) Crandall and three grandsons, Jacob, Bennett, and Lucas Crandall of Robbinsville, New Jersey. A brother, Dr. Robert Weiss (Anne Rowland) of Plattsburgh, New York. Nephew, David Weiss of Durham, North Carolina. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Hilda Beecham of Bellville, Ohio. Brother-in-law Randall (Lynne) Beecham of Bellville, Ohio. Nephew, William R Beecham of Mansfield. A great nephew, Brandon (Kathrine) and their child, William, Natalie, and Harrison of Nacogdoches, Texas. A great niece, Allison (Steven) Warren and their children, Zaylan, Isaac, and Karson of Nacogdoches, Texas. Two aunts, Mamie Shelton, and Wanda Bender and a cousin Theresa (Brandon) Tipton. Also, friends, neighbors, and business associates too numerous to count.

Rudy's smile, generosity, and joyful spirit for life will be in our hearts forever.

A Mass of Christian burial will be recited by Father Gregory Hite at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 8th in Saint Peter’s Catholic Church at 104 W. First Street, Mansfield, Ohio. Burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. Charitable contributions in Rudy's memory may be made to any of the following: Monsignor Edward C. Dunn Foundation for Education at Saint Peter's Catholic Church, Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Put-in-Bay, Ohio; or the Mansfield Art Center. The mass may be viewed via livestream at youtube.com and search mansfield st. peter's.

In adhering to the governor's mandate, all guests are required to wear a face covering and observe appropriate social distancing during their visit. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the Weiss family.