Jack Weiss

Jack Weiss, 89, Kent, died July 2, 2011, of natural causes at his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born on January 27, 1922, in Kent, OH, to John Mitchell Lackey and Jessie Marie Heath. Jack was adopted by Ralph J. Weiss when Jessie remarried. Jack was raised in Kent, OH, and attended Kent City schools. Jack graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in June of 1940. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jack served on the U.S.S. Nantahala AO60, called "Nasty Nan" by her crew, with the 3rd U.S. Fleet in the Western Pacific and South China Sea during numerous campaigns in World War II. The Nantahala provided support to the fleet from Ulithi to the Philippine Islands, and from Formosa to the Japanese Home Islands during the war. The Nantahala and her crew were present with the Pacific Fleet at the signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. Following the end of World War II, Jack was discharged from active duty in Seattle, WA, in February of 1946, with the rating of Petty Officer First Class. Jack returned home to Kent following his discharge. He married Eleanor Louise Stewart of Salem, OH, on December 20, 1945. Jack and Eleanor had four children, James (Judy) of Rootstown, OH, Jack H. (Beth) of Loudon, TN, Michael (Nancy) of Conway, SC, and Patricia (Dale) Steele, of Loudon, TN. Jack worked in the family business, Weiss Motors, in Kent, until 1970. He then worked as Service Manager for Walt Delac Buick and then Cipra Ford. Jack also worked as the Service Manager for the Portage County Garage from September of 1977 until his retirement in June of 1984. Jack is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and their children, and brothers, Robert J. Weiss, Jack Lackey, Richard Lackey, Robert Lackey, Don Wallace, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jack is predeceased by his parents and brother, Charles H. Weiss. Jack was a 50 year member of Rockton Lodge, F&AM, Kent, OH, the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton, VFW, American Legion, and Kent Elks. The family asks that anyone wishing to send flowers, please instead make a donation in Jack's name to Robinson Memorial Hospital Hospice, Ravenna, OH, or to the First Christian Church, Kent OH. Calling hours will be at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St., Kent, OH, on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a Memorial Service at Bissler's on Thursday, July 7, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. A Masonic Funeral Service will preceed the Memorial Service. Interment at Standing Rock Cemetery, with the family in attendance, will follow the Memorial Service.