Aug 27, 2023

Dr. Thomas W. Weirich, 75, of Ocean City, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Friday, July 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 20, 1947, the son of William Howard and Mildred (Newland) Weirich.

Growing up in Washington, Tom was an avid reader and exceptionally curious. He absorbed the values and lessons about commitment, dedication, strength, and service from his parents.

Tom excelled in both academics and athletics in high school. He lettered in three sports. He played second base, modeling himself after his childhood hero Bill Mazeroski, was the starting quarterback for two years, and developed a life-long passion for wrestling. The focus and dedication that wrestling demanded influenced his approach to work and life. While in high school, Tom met the love of his life, Karen Burk.

Tom graduated from Trinity High School in 1965 and then attended Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. While at Colgate, Tom lettered in football, lacrosse and wrestling. He thrived in the environment of close friends and intense academic study. Tom credited his college experience as helping him find purpose and discover his strengths.

On June 8, 1968, Tom and Karen were married and remained together for 55 years. Tom graduated in 1969 with majors in sociology and anthropology.

Furthering his education at Rutgers University, Tom gained his masters in sociology in 1974 and finished with a Ph.D. in Organizational Sociology in 1978.

Tom worked at the Graduate School of Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA teaching organizational analysis, policy studies, health service and evaluation research. He was also head of research at the JFK Community Mental Health Center. In 1983, Tom completed an Alternative Careers Program for Ph.D.’s at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and earned a post doctorate in finance.

In 1984, Tom changed careers and began working as a financial advisor for Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia. After 15 years, he transferred to Wells Fargo Advisors.

In 2004, Tom again furthered his education and completed a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Tom retired from Wells Fargo Advisors as First Vice President and Investment Officer in March of 2023.

Tom’s interests and hobbies were varied; his curiosities were never sated. After buying his childhood dream car, a ’37 Ford, he became a member of the National Street Rod Association. He read everything he could, loved listening to music, especially classic R&B, jazz and even Mozart, and remained passionate about progressive causes throughout his life. He never gave up cheering for his hometown teams, the Pirates, the Steelers, and especially the Penguins.

As an advisor, Tom was devoted to his clients, giving them the same empathy and meticulous preparation that he would have given to family members and friends. He looked upon his service as a natural extension of sharing all the knowledge he had gained through his studies.

Kind, patient, and dedicated, Tom’s friendships were lifelong. He was hopelessly devoted to his family, never missing a little league game nor a milestone. He was incredibly proud to be married to a Burk and loved his extended family as his own.

Tom’s observations and feelings for his family, his hometown and his roots not only provided fuel for his academic studies, but material for his essays and stories. When a few special words were needed for a birthday, anniversary, or for moments of grief, the family turned to Tom.

For all of his accomplishments, Tom remained modest and grounded. Even as his world expanded exponentially, he remained guided by kindness, love, and the appreciation that life itself was sacred.

Thomas will be missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Karen Weirch; sons, W. Christian (Heather) Weirich, Jonathan (Amanda) Weirich; grandson, Maddox; granddaughter, Kathrine Jane; sister, Billie Jane Morris and a host of nieces and nephews. His sister Connie Bozovich predeceased him.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Glioblastoma Foundation in Thomas’ memory at www.glioblastomafoundation.org.