Richard Weierstall

Richard Weierstall, of Rouses Point and formerly of Union City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with his family by his side. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose intelligence, generosity, quiet humor, and steady presence touched the lives of all who knew him. Above all else, he was deeply devoted to his wife, Gail Thomsen Weierstall, with whom he shared nearly 58 years of marriage built on faith, loyalty, partnership, and love. Born to the late Emily and William Weierstall, Richard pursued a lifelong dedication to education, science, and the pharmaceutical field. He attended Rutgers University and later the University of California, where he earned his PhD. He went on to build a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical industry, serving in executive leadership with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Rouses Point, New York. Richard took tremendous pride in his professional work, his scientific accomplishments, and the opportunities education had provided him throughout his life. He was respected by colleagues for his intellect, leadership, integrity, and dedication to excellence. Richard was also a registered pharmacist for more than 30 years and a proud member of Rho Pi Phi and the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA). Richard was a faithful and devout Roman Catholic whose faith guided him in life. A longtime parishioner of St. Patrick's Church, he generously supported the parish for many years. Alongside Gail, he also taught CCD classes for many years, helping guide young parishioners in their faith through patience, kindness, and example. Though practical and reserved in many ways, Richard had a deep affection for animals and pets, even if he would rarely admit it. He cherished time spent with his family and remained close with his siblings throughout his life. Even spirited political disagreements never diminished the love shared among the family, who continued to gather often to celebrate holidays, milestones, and time together. Richard was especially proud of his grandchildren Aiden, Alexia, Rowenna, and Lydia and Andrew and took great joy in teaching them the values he believed mattered most: generosity, patience, truthfulness, kindness, observation, curiosity, and respect for others. He believed character was built through discipline, compassion, and attentiveness to the world around you, and he sought to lead by example. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Thomsen Weierstall; his children, Eric J. Weierstall, Esq. (Sally A. Smith, Esq.), Kurt Weierstall (Grace Herzog), and Karen Weierstall (Brian Hicks); his cherished grandchildren, Aiden, Alexia, Rowenna, Lydia and Andrew; and his sister, Lois Weierstall. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Fred Weierstall. Richard will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his faith, his professional accomplishments, and the warmth, wisdom, and integrity he brought to those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and friends forever. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Volk Leber Funeral Home. Additional visitation arrangements at the Ross Funeral Home in Champlain, New York, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial and Interment will take place at St. Patrick's Church, Rouses Point, NY at 11 a.m.on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Interment to follow in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the American Transplant Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Richard Weierstall

November 5, 1942 - May 5, 2026