Our friend, former partner, and retired colleague, Mark Weber, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the age of 91. The following is a tribute to Mark Weber, written by firm partner Rick Howard.
Retired since 2008, he had been, for many years, the center of our firm’s moral fiber.
Before his distinguished law career, Mark Weber came from modest beginnings in Easton, Pennsylvania, where his father Edward worked for the Dixie Cup company and during the Depression his mother, Hilda, sent he and his siblings walking meals to nearby neighbors, who would otherwise have no food.
He was a former semi-pro basketball player (and sports enthusiast) who kept in his law desk a congratulatory letter, written the week before its author, Mark’s brother, Vince, was killed in infantry action in France and while serving our country during World War II.
Never a backslapper or gossip, known for his plain talk, and often wearing suspenders, he was just as likely to weave into a legal argument to a jury some self-effacing anecdote over how, while painting, he spilled satin finish on his hand.
Mark Weber was a litigator and sometimes bullish questioner, whose opposing counsel or witnesses would often occupy their chair uneasily, especially if they tried to mislead or dodge hard questions.
But if the cases were tough, Mark could show a soft human side, often remembering that legal issues begged solutions to real problems, suffered by everyday people. Perhaps some reminded him of his friends and neighbors in Easton. With clients, whether through adoption, divorce, estate, insurance defense cases or consults, he would treat each with a level of compassion and dignity, and often charge modest fees. With staff he was at ease, gracious, and sometimes demanding, but had a big heart.
Mark Weber had a knack for teaching how Law could be practiced and reminding of the ways in which it did not need to be. It was okay to scrutinize and be skeptical though never mean spirited. Why create an unnecessary issue for your client or put yourself in position to worry.
He was an everyday man. Each morning and for many years, Mark enjoyed breakfast with the same group of friends: a machinist, a farmer, and a laborer. They would often talk sports. Sometimes other attorneys, including Michael Kracht, Joe Chellew and I would join them.
His able assistant, Mary Wambold, who was also at the firm for many years, won the administrative assistant of the year award. Mark read her a prepared speech. He recognized how she supported his old fashioned practice habits. His career spanned a more than 50-year period which saw transition from steno and typewriter to computers, faxes, emails, and iPhones.
A loving husband devoted to his wife Lucille for over 67 years. He was also a devoted father who could not have been more proud of his four children Diane, Mark, John, and Joni. And his grandchildren. Carla, Ben, and Gabby.
Following his retirement, his wife’s blindness, and despite his own cancer, Mark continued caring for her in the home, till his own medical condition made this no longer possible.
After going to reside in Rockhill Mennonite, despite several hospitalizations, his determination to remain independent, even after several falls, resulted in his pushing himself through rehab. Twice before, he had been administered last rites.
I visited him last week. Michael Kracht got to see him also. Although we each knew it would likely be the last time, Mark still managed to discuss sports, (including Phillies paying Bryce Harper $300million: good player, though too much money!) He also talked glowingly of his family and some friends. Joni and Diane were with him.
He accepted many things with grace and dignity, including the end of his life. One of my most cherished memories of Mark is from years ago, after I joined the firm and lost two family members including my beloved Nan, within a single week. Mark Weber checked in on me. I’ll not forget the comfort of his story in how he missed his grandfather; that over time pain ebbs and flows. “You never forget and you never want to forget,” he said. He was at the time my boss and did not have to check in or utter such kind words. Yet that was who he was.
I’ll never forget nor do I ever want forget Mark Weber
He is survived by his wife Lucille, their 4 children and 3 grandchildren
Please keep
Warmest regards,
Rick Howard
In keeping with Attorney 
