Edwin A. Weiller III, 85, died Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield following a tragic automobile accident on October 1, 2016 on Wade Inn Rd.
He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Jean, brother Peter and his wife Linda; sons, Bruce and Jeffrey and their wives, Shari and Melissa respectively; stepdaughter, Donna; four grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel, Jenna, Ross; and many close friends around the world.
Edwin A. Weiller III, (Ted), was born in New York City in 1931. The son of Edwin Alexander Jr. (Ned) and Kathryn Brickner (Babe) Weiller, he grew up in Woodmere, Long Island and New Canaan, CT. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1952, having majored in Business Administration. Ted founded Weilwood Industries, a textile converting business which was based in Manhattan from 1960 to 1990. His wife Jean played a pivotal role guiding the artistic and fashion direction of the firm throughout its existence. Ted and Jean raised their family in Stamford, CT. After selling Weilwood, they retired to Sarasota, FL; they also had a second home in Becket, MA. There he was instrumental in establishing the Center Pond Lake District to rebuild the dam for the benefit and safety of the entire community.
The success of Weilwood Industries provided capital for Ted to practice value investing, a passion he ardently pursued until his last days. He was an enthusiastic admirer of Warren Buffet and an early investor in Berkshire Hathaway. When friends and family showed interest in Ted's great investing success and asked for assistance with their portfolios, he established the Weiller Value Fund in partnership with his son Bruce. Sharing this pursuit and their common investing acumen created an enduring father-son bond. Together they grew the fund, which continues its success under Bruce's watchful eye, as part of Ted's legacy.
Ted was a tenacious man of resolute vision and determination supported by a razor sharp mind. He brought these qualities to every aspect of his life, from building his businesses to making meaningful contributions in his two beloved communities of Becket and Sarasota, to living his life fully and in good fitness. He always sought the cutting edge way to do things including technology and computers, and was generous and enthusiastic to share his "finds" with friends and family. In his passionate drive to live a long, healthy, active life, Ted tirelessly sought and energetically tried varied diets, medical innovations and fitness techniques. He worked out for at least two hours every day. With the help of personal trainers and coaches who came to adore and admire him, he overcame medical conditions that would have been debilitating to most others.
Ted brought his zest for life, sharp mind, drive and enthusiasm to the activities that provided great joy and many dear friendships over the years: tennis, regular bridge games, collecting self-taught artists and travelling with Jean. Especially in later years, Ted was determined that younger generations of his family form lasting bonds.
Ted's generosity for causes he held dear was profound. Over the years, he served on numerous charitable boards and committees including: Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Sarasota Ballet, YMCA Foundation of Sarasota, Asolo Theatre, Theater Works, Florida West Coast Symphony, and the Community Foundation of Sarasota. He was a concerned supporter of children and access to quality education and opportunity. He made major donations to the YMCA Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs, both of Sarasota. His and Jean's passion for the arts was expressed not only through his ardent enjoyment of visual and performing arts works and events, but also through major donations to the Sarasota Ballet, Jacob's Pillow, and student scholarships at the Asolo Theatre Company. He most recently loved the show Hamilton and its music gave him much-needed energy in the hospital.
In life, Ted was magnanimous to a fault. In death, his philanthropic legacy will continue through the Ted and Jean Weiller Foundation.
Memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, the Sarasota Ballet or a charity of one's choice .
Ted's hearty laugh will be dearly missed by many. Date and location of a memorial service to be announced.
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