Mark Weintraub
Mark Weintraub, 78, of Lewisburg, passed away on Friday, August 30th.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Z and Matthew; daughter-in-law, Jamey; sister, Naomi Weintraub Cohen; brother-in-law, Harvey Cohen; niece, Arielle Cohen; and his beloved cat, Mello.
Born in New York to Nathan and Bessie Weintraub, he spent his childhood there, before visiting rural West Virginia and deciding to make it his home.
Mark was close to his family and enjoyed spending time with them and doing projects together. Teresa and Mark read books together and spent many a vacation enjoying beaches. Although he wasn’t the most excited when his family first started keeping pets inside, he always showered them with love and cared greatly for them. Mello could often be found curled up by his side, when he was reading. He and Z enjoyed watching science fiction and fantasy (and all of the James Bonds) and making complicated desserts inspired by the Great British Baking Show. Mark always patiently answered the million questions Z asked, whenever he was building or repairing something. When Matthew and Jamey were ready to buy a home, Mark was there to visit every potential house and to help them repair and make upgrades to the place they chose. Mark was exceptionally well-qualified, having worked in construction for over 20 years as a skilled carpenter, Master Electrician, and locksmith.
In addition to helping Matt and Jamey, he was generous in using and sharing his construction skills for the benefit of others. He helped family and friends with countless renovation projects over the years. He also volunteered with local nonprofits: teaching building skills to campers at High Rocks Academy (many of whom had never touched a tool before), and leaping into action, every time there was a needed repair at the Greenbrier County Child and Youth Advocacy Center, climbing up onto roofs well into his 70s.
Not surprisingly, given the roof climbing, Mark was athletic and enjoyed challenging physical pursuits. As with everything Mark was good at, he was a patient and enthusiastic teacher for anyone interested in learning. He learned to ride and repair motorcycles from his father, Nathan, and introduced Teresa to the joy of riding. He tried scuba diving at age 16 at a YMCA in New York City (before buoyancy control devices were invented!) and explored oceans, lakes, and quarries around the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Later in life, he became a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, opened his own diving and sports shop, and shared his passion for diving with his students, including his niece, Arielle. He also enjoyed nature above sea level, going trekking in Peru and hiking every week (and doing volunteer trail maintenance) in Greenbrier State Forest with Naomi.
Preferring action over words, Mark showed his values and principles through his kind and dedicated care for those around him, even up to his final weeks, making sure backup generators were installed at the homes of his wife and children. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Child and Youth Advocacy Center, Peyton Hospice House, or to the PADI AWARE Foundation. In honor of Mark’s wishes, there will be no service.
