Submitted by: Dan Rich
Sept. 13, 1936 - June 9, 1999
South Bend Tribune 6/11/1999
Brother Richard S. Weber, C.S.C., 62, died of pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, June 9, at St. Joseph Medical Center, South Bend, Ind.
The son of the late Walter and Ann (Nekl) Weber, Br. Richard was born on September 13, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from the Brothers' high school in Lakewood, he entered Holy Cross in 1956, made his first profession of vows on January 26, 1957, and his perpetual vows on August 16, 1960. He is survived by a brother and a sister.
Following initial training in manual arts, Br. Richard worked from 1957-1961 at the St. Joseph Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, Ind., in the maintenance department, and in a similar position at Holy Cross High School, River Grove, Ill., continuously acquiring and developing skills.
In 1965 Br. Richard was asked to supervise the construction of the Holy Cross Brothers Center complex at Notre Dame. From that time, he remained at the Center in charge of maintenance and the supervision of building construction.
Br. Richard spent hours developing unique wheelchairs and other furniture fitted to the special needs of mentally and physically challenged youth, but he devoted even more time simply to being present with and caring for them. At the Brothers Center, Br. Richard knew the location and function of every bit of construction, visible or invisible, and was zealous in seeing to its proper care. His simplicity and availability tended to overshadow the innate cleverness and artistic genius that enabled him to build and fly two lighter-than-air aircraft, a hobby he enjoyed tremendously, as much for the contacts it enabled as for the thrill of flying.
Diagnosed in January, he fought his disease courageously, yet with a spirit of detached trust in God, remaining positive and upbeat with a demeanor unfailingly cheerful.
Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, June 13, in St. Joseph Chapel at the Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, 54515 St. Rd. 933 N., followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 3:30 p.m., with burial to follow immediately in St. Joseph Cemetery on the Village grounds.
The Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.