William (Bill) Weiner
July 23, 2018

WEINER, WILLIAM (BILL): Of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018, at the age of 75. Bill was born in Pittsburgh’s East End on February 21, 1943, to Ruth and Dewey Weiner. He was educated at the University of Pittsburgh’s Falk Elementary School and Solebury School in Bucks County, PA. Bill came from a musical family. His grandfather played classical piano and as a young man played in the orchestra pit during the era of silent movies. Bill loved listening to his grandpa play when he was young. He also loved the outdoors and became an enthusiastic camper, hiker, and canoeist. Bill began to play the guitar in high school, during the heyday of rock n' roll, folk music singing groups, rhythm and blues, bebop jazz, and folk blues. In the early 1960s, he became interested in blues recordings made in the South, and through these recordings learned to play country blues and perfected his style. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Bill pursued a business career at Basic Products, the pioneering wholesale catalog publishing and distribution company founded by his father in 1958. During 50 years of innovative merchandising, Bill, Dewey, and the Basic team served more than 3,000 small businesses throughout the Eastern United States. At the same time, he also created a legendary blues guitar presence in Western Pennsylvania, in Eastern Ohio, and around the country. A performer, teacher and arranger for more than 40 years, Bill concentrated on early country blues, on both 6-string and 12-string guitars, especially the work of Leroy Carr, Scrapper Blackwell, and Leadbelly. During his music career, Bill performed country blues at festivals and local concert venues, and he taught country blues guitar at music schools and at his home. A member of several folk bands, Bill started his own blues and jug band, The Monongahela Sheiks, a Pittsburgh fixture from 1998-2008. In 2006, he recorded a well-received CD, “Juicin’ The Blues.”  When asked what he most enjoyed about his music, Bill said that he enjoyed meeting and talking to people who shared his love of the blues. When asked what inspired him, Bill said that moving people with his music and inspiring them as he was inspired was his greatest satisfaction. Bill is survived by his beloved partner, Sarah Stevenson; his brother John Weiner; his niece, Tal Lucas; and his nephews, Michael Weiner and Daniel Weiner. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 12 Noon. Visitation one hour prior to services (11 am - 12 Noon). Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.  www.schugar.com

Condolences

Bill was my oldest friend. We met in high school and bonded right away - first over the music that we discovered together but later we became close in many other ways over the years to come. He was a warm and special person. His passing leaves a deep hole in my life. I send my condolence to his family and many friends who grieve deeply as I do for the loss of his unique spirit.

So saddened to learn of Bills passing - we knew him well and played often with him in the 1970s in Pittsburgh before we moved away in 1980. I roomed with him on Chesterfield Street in Oakland and was one of those many people who shared a love of country blues with him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and many, many friends. He called a couple of years ago about getting together sometime, but that didnt happen - I believe he was suffering from sciatica that hampered him from time to time. Well miss him. Nice that his website keeps his memory alive in sound and video. David and Lucy Raizman 205 Fernbrook Avenue Wyncote, PA 19095