Jonathan David Weiss

Jonathan David Weiss

Jonathan David Weiss, 78, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024 with loved ones staying close.  

He was born and grew up in New York City where he attended Queens College, then earned his PhD in Physics in 1973 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He lived in various states for temporary post-doctoral positions. After completing an advanced post-doctoral program in optical physics at the University of Arizona, he began work for the Air Force at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He later took a job at Sandia National Laboratories and stayed there until he retired.

He deeply loved New Mexico and never considered leaving his adopted home.

A gifted lifelong scientist, Jon was inquisitive and persistent. An equation scribbled on a scrap of paper frequently graced his bedside table and long car rides were often a chance for him to ponder science and math problems. After retirement from a rewarding, successful career that included a number of patents and awards, he continued to perform experiments on his own, and write and review for physics journals.

He was also a highly dedicated handball player, playing one-wall handball as a child in empty lots on the streets of Brooklyn and later Queens. As an adult, he played four-wall at his gym multiple times weekly. Injuries could never keep him away for long and he played regularly late into life until a hip replacement forced him to quit permanently.

Jon deeply loved hiking and traveling, inspired by the beauty of the Southwest and the whole planet. His trips were often focused on outdoor adventures, and included such places as the Galapagos Islands, Isle Royale National Park, and even Antarctica. He loved sharing these experiences with friends and family whenever possible.

As a caring and gregarious person, Jon made friendships and social events central to his life. He was solicitous of his friends’ welfare and also showed his concern for others by volunteering for and donating to many organizations, including Sierra Club, Animal Protection of New Mexico, KNME-TV, and Meals on Wheels. His desire to contribute to the world manifested in small ways as well, such as routinely picking up trash on walks and saying hello to the people he passed.  Other interests included reading, following politics, and learning about history and government. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Victoria (Strull) Weiss and Bernard Weiss, and his sister, Barbara Whiter. He is survived by the woman in his life, Lorraine Baca of Albuquerque, and his daughter, Emily Sinoradzki of Portland, OR, as well as extended family and several close friends.

A memorial to honor his life and grieve his passing will be held on September 30th at 11 a.m. at the Elena Gallegos Kiwanis Shelter.