Harvey Morris Weiner

Harvey Morris Weiner died on Friday, November 24, 2023 at the age of 83. Harvey was the loving husband of the late Gail Rosinoff Weiner, who passed away in July, 2023. He was the devoted father of Marcia Weiner Mankoff (Doug) and Mark Weiner (Regina). He was the brother of Debbie Weiner Ross (Evan), Margie Weiner Abelson (Gary), and the late Eleanor Weiner Newman (Marvin), and brother-in-law of Bruce Rosinoff (Susan). Harvey cherished his role as grandfather, or “Zayde”, to his four grandchildren, Sarah, Max and Eli Mankoff and Ezra Weiner, all four of whom laughed at his jokes, even when they were not funny. That is how much they loved him. Born on July 27, 1940 in the Bronx, NY to parents Rachael Saltz and Manny Weiner, Harvey grew up in Cedarhurst, NY. In high school Harvey worked as a “soda jerk,” and prided himself on making the perfect egg cream. Harvey spent two summers in college working at Zalkin’s Birchwood Lodge in the Catskills as a busboy and waiter, sparking an interest in the hospitality industry. Harvey grew to love music at an early age and played all wind instruments, but especially loved the trombone. His passion for music earned him “Best Musician” in his senior class at Lawrence High School in 1958, and a music scholarship to Boston University. After an unfortunate injury to his lip ended his dream of becoming a musician, Harvey switched his focus to business, changing the course of his life. Harvey met his match and the love of his life, Gail Rosinoff, at a fraternity party in Boston in 1959, when Gail arrived as the date of Harvey’s roommate. Fortunately, Gail ultimately chose Harvey over his roommate. They married in 1963 and went on to enjoy 60 years of marriage and adventure together. Harvey began his career as a trainee at Schrafft’s Restaurants in Boston. In 1968, Harvey joined Allied Stores as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage and became responsible for the restaurants in 135 stores around the country. In 1972, while with Allied, Harvey was transferred from New York to Dallas. The couple soon fell in love with the Dallas community, which would become their forever home for more than 50 years. In 1974 Harvey started his own company, Search America, the first executive search firm specifically focused on the country club industry. The company quickly emerged as the go-to governance and search firm in the private club field. In 1998, Harvey’s son, Mark, joined the firm and today Search America continues under Mark’s leadership. One of Harvey’s favorite pieces of wisdom was from the Jewish text, Pirkei Avot: “Where there is no man, be that man.” Harvey frequently quoted this teaching about standing up for others. He embodied this sentiment as a pillar in both the Dallas and global Jewish communities over the span of five decades, speaking on behalf of Jewish causes throughout the world. A staunch Zionist, Harvey felt a deep commitment to Israel and to a multitude of Jewish organizations. Harvey assumed a leadership role with the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, chairing its General Campaign, Executive Committee, and Soviet Jewry and Interfaith Commissions. Harvey was the Founding Chair of both the United Jewish Appeal’s Community Resource Development Center and the Master Solicitor Institute. Fundraising and the interpersonal connections that came with it was holy work for Harvey. He took great joy in helping people realize their philanthropic potential and spent years training volunteers from Jewish Federations around the country to raise philanthropic dollars in a meaningful way. Harvey took pride in his leadership role rescuing Jews from the former Soviet Union, and Ethiopia, as well. Harvey was a former President and Chairman of the Board of Akiba Academy Day School and served on the boards of AIPAC, ZOA, the Dallas JCC, Israel Bonds and the Anti-Defamation League. Together, Harvey and Gail helped to found two synagogues in Dallas: Beth Torah and Anshei Emet (the latter, now known as Anshei Torah). Harvey cherished his role as the host, producer and voice of the Jewish Music Hall, a Sunday morning radio show on Dallas Public Radio in the late 70s and early 80s. Harvey shared his joy of Jewish music and culture, interviewing important Jewish figures from around the world and entertaining the audience through on-air contests. His daughter, Marcia, a young teen at the time, would accompany her dad downtown to the station most Sundays, answering the phones as contestants would call in for prizes. Harvey was a dedicated family man. He loved hosting lively Shabbat dinners with Gail. He sang the Kiddush loudly and proudly and made holidays a real celebration. Harvey took immense joy in his deep relationships with his four grandchildren, taking an interest in what was important to them and always encouraging them to “ask good questions.” Harvey and Gail loved to travel, take cruises, and spend time with family and friends during their winters in Boca Raton, FL. Harvey was always working on a home or garden related project, which, much to Gail’s chagrin, often ended with an injury or a trip to the E.R. Quick to laugh at himself and never failing to see the humor in life, he made everything fun. In addition to the decades-long friendships that Harvey nurtured throughout his life, the last year and a half was enriched by the wonderful new friends he and Gail made at Legacy Willow Bend. A funeral service is planned for Monday, November 27, 2023 in Dallas. There will be a private burial for family followed by a 4:30 funeral service in the Beck Family Sanctuary at Congregation Shearith Israel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations in Harvey’s memory: Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/plannedparenthood-greater-texas The Foundation for Jewish Camp, www.jewishcamp.org or the Prostate Cancer Foundation www.pcf.org

Harvey Morris Weiner

July 27, 1940 - November 24, 2023