Harold L. Weisse Jr. 89 of Nashua, NH (formerly of North Reading) died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday 10/17/20. He’s now directing the choir of heavenly angels, just as he did on earth.
Growing up in Dorchester, MA, Harold graduated from Boston English High School, then Boston University with a degree in Music Education. After working briefly as a draftsman for both Raytheon and Honeywell, he realized his dream of becoming a music educator in North Reading. He began as a part-time music teacher and ultimately Director of Music for the North Reading school district; a position he held until his retirement after 36 years of dedicated service.
During the course of his distinguished musical career, his concert and marching bands, choruses and jazz bands consistently garnered awards and accolades throughout New England and beyond.
He also directed some of the finest high school musical theater productions in Massachusetts, working with student singers and pit orchestras to create top notch performances every spring.
More importantly, Harold’s musical legacy lives on in the many NRHS alumni who have gone on to have successful music careers themselves, as well as those who continue to nurture the love of music that was instilled in them under his patient and experienced tutelage.
Harold was also an accomplished musician himself, playing piano and bass in numerous local bands in the Boston area as a member of AFM Local 126.
In addition, Harold served in the Army National Guard from 1955-1964 as Chief Warrant Officer, directing the 26th Division Band of Massachusetts.
An Eagle Scout, Harold was also an avid outdoorsman, spending summers hiking and camping throughout the Northeast with his family. After retirement, he continued these exploits even further afield, travelling with the Road Scholars lifelong learning program both at home and overseas.
Harold is survived by his daughter Susan Powers-Fitzpatrick (Sean), son Steven (Carol) and daughter Wendy Burbine (Darren), grandchildren Alexandra (aka Sasha) and Adam Weisse, Kaitlin Powers, Michael Burbine Jr., Harold Burbine and Victoria Burbine, and great grandson Jayce Powers. He was predeceased by his former wife Annette, cherished companion Irene Gordon, and good friend Tom Ahern.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Lundquist, Visiting Angels, and the Amedysis Hospice team for their unparalleled care. We would also like to thank the First Baptist Church of Nashua for all of their love and support. They were truly like family to him.
Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, funeral plans will be announced at a later date.
Rest In Peace. Mr. Weisse made music come alive for me, which has lasted my whole life. Debbie Nadeau Carter, NRHS class of 67.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Weisse family. So many great memories of my band director. From exchange trips to marching band to parades… His love of music spilled over to all of us who were lucky to spend time with him. May he rest in peace.
Thank you, Mr Weisse, for being North Reading’s own Music Man through the years. You shared your love of music with hundreds, no probably thousands of kids in the North Reading schools. May you Rest In Peace.
He definitely had a great influence on the class of 1971 – he was a great man , a great teacher , and his love of music shined through in all school events. What a great legacy he leaves for the town of North Reading ! God bless him ❤️
HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES !!
All of us former NRHS students remember this wonderful music man. All those years being the Director Of Music for the North Reading School District, Mr. Weisse was such a big part of all those productions & special events……. and his teaching !! Some of us students not into music really didn’t know him well – but he was much appreciated by all of us !! Condolences to all his family and a THANK YOU for his Service in The National Guard. R.I.P.
My sincere sympathy goes out to the Weisse family whom I knew very well having grown up right next door. They are a wonderful family and I have many fond memories of the Weisse’s particularly babysitting for the Weiss Children. Mr. Weiss was a wonderful music teacher and band leader always demanding excellence in his students. He was passionate about teaching, was gentle and kind, and always conveyed love toward his students. God Bless you Mr. Weiss. You are in my prayers.
Diane E. Weir
My condolences to the Weisse. I was in chorus led by Mr. Weisse, class of 73. He was a gift to us all. May he RIP.
Mr. Weisse opened many musical opportunities for me, including being my trombone teacher when I first moved to NR. He was a very talented man.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Weisse. May he be at peace. He will be greatly missed by many he touched throughout the years. He made wonderful music and passed that passion on all of us whom he taught. Marianna Callahan NRHS Class of 85.
Mr Wiesse, wonderful inspiration for his love
of music he was member of our church and i had him in school for music. God bless him and his family. Shalom
I only got to have Mr. Weisse as my music teacher for one year, when I was in 4th grade, before he retired. He, Mrs. Hamel, Ms. Marano, and Mr. Forman had a huge impact on me, and are the reason I am a music educator today.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @WIEISSE FAMILYon losing a good ,manwho was well respected,by all.we were neighbors and freinds for many years and wish them wellfrom our family. we miss them all ;The Caproni family
The Wiesse family has the deepest of condolences from the Bennett family. My parents, Dorothy and Ralph had the warmest respect for Mr. Wiesse. His nurturing of both their children led to a life long appreciation of music, but the skills necessary to become performers throughout New England were first honed in the instrumental classes Mr. Wiesse instructed in the middle 50s up through the High School band and marching experiences we has as young musicians. His enormous contribution to the North Reading community is as impressive as any individual who strived to advance the youth of the town into adulthood while striving toward advancing the performing arts there.
RIP sir! You remain a central mentor in the lives of many who were influenced by your leadership, instruction and commitment to music! I am one who thankfully was a recipient of your skills!
His professionalism and dedication were unparalleled. He was a gift and I will always think of him fondly.
Bill Mc class of ’83
Strange, I was just telling my family about the four years I was in Mr Weisse’s chorus. We got to sing the Hallelujah Chorus with Mr Weisse directing both the chorus and orchestra at the same time. I have passed on my love of music, that Mr. Weird instilled in me, to my children. Rest in peace.
Brad Lipert NRHS class of 1981
He was a wonderful man, who taught us well. I remember so many things I learned from him to this day. Glee Club and especially the musicals, Lil’ Abner and Flower Drum Song were inimitable experiences. Deepest condolences to the family.
Harold was Bob’s first employer and was a friend and fellow musician when they were both in their twenties. We’ll always cherish the fond memories of working with him and our wonderful friendship with Annette, Susan, Steve and Wendy. Bob was one of Susan and Steve’s music teachers in elementary school. We honor and salute you Harold Weisse! To Steve, Susan and Wendy: keep the love forever. We love you.
From trumpet lessons to glee club to band, he was a wonderful and inspiring teacher. He brought musicals to North Reading and his demand for excellence made them memorable for performers and audiences. I have often thought how lucky I am to have had those experiences and memories. My condolences to his family. He was special.
What an amazing man. He could take a bunch of kids and transform them into musical/theatre wonders, simply handing out musical scores to us, starting to play, shouting at us to sing when we had never heard the songs before until we grew to know songs intimately. Somehow he made us united and talented. I don’t know how he put up with all of us, but I thank the gods for his patience. *lights dim
RIP Mr. Weisse. You inspired and were loved by so many students at NRHS during your career. Your love of music radiated throughout your life well lived. My Mom remembers you fondly and we send our condolences to your family.
My deepest sympathies to the Weisse family. Harold gave me the opportunity to join the band even though I played no instruments. Starting on tuba, I spent 3 terrific years with the bands and choir. I now teach high school music myself, and let anyone join who would like to learn an instrument. Thank you, Harold, for all you gave me, and everyone else you taught. Rest In Peace, Mr. Weisse. -Mark Trulson, NRHS Class of 1988
4th grade, North Street School, Mr, Weisse handed me a case with a shiny new clarinet inside. What happened over the next 8 years was amazing. Rest in peace Mr, Weisse. NRHS Class of 1969.
Our sincere condolences to the Weiss family. He was a wonderful inspiration, teaching and sharing his love of music. Such wonderful memories of taking part on “lil Abner”, ” Flower Drum Song”, “My Fair Lady” and more. His was truly alive well spent. Thank you Mr Weiss. Dave and Jerry Jeans, NRHS class of ’64
My heartfelt condolences to the Weisse family. The many hours spent in private lessons, band practices, and musicals with Mr Weisse are treasured memories for me. On more than one occasion he brought my trombone to my house if I left it in the music room by mistake. He took a personal interest in his students warning my parents, on one occasion, when he saw me going astray in my choice of friends. We had an agreement that I could play football and play in the band during the concert season. When I broke our agreement and was throwing a discus by the track Mr. Wiesse came walking down the track, baton in hand, and came up to me and said “Mr Carder “I thought we had an agreement?” I said “We did.” He said “I’ll see you at next band next practice.” I said “I’ll be there.” If I had to do it over again I’d have stayed in band all year. One of the great men in my life was he. All who truly knew him know what I mean. He’ll always be a part of us.
Sending condolences to the Weisse family and those close to him who will dearly miss him.
I remember his willingness to help when we needed music for our senior class play. He used his own time to record multiple segments of music to underscore the various moods of the scenes the script required. He even marked the musical tape to indicate where each of the segments began and ended for me. He was very generous with his time for students.
He was also fun to work with. Preparing the marching band and involving the baton squad for football half times was interesting. He’d suggest scenarios involving members of both groups to add some fun to the show. Quiet by nature, but he’d surprise us with comical ideas that were fun for all of us to be a part of.
His love of music was infectious. His love of family was also a priority. I took care of his two children a number of times and saw the family side of him. He lit up when he was with them. Smiles and hugs… Rest In Peace Mr Weisse
to the Weisse family my condolences. i was a student when he was there he was a great man.
So MANY memories from concert band, Marching band, wonderful exchange concerts, chorus and all the musicals of my own and my siblings. A wonderful teacher, mentor and role model. Thank you for being North Reading’s own Music Man. I still play my flute to this day. RIP Mr. Weisse. Betsey (Ham) Driscoll Class of 78
I could never sing or play a note. But Mr. Weisse certainly made listening enjoyable (known him since 1960). Great teacher, even greater guy.
He was the kindest and most patient of teachers at NRHS. He was dedicated to his students and made us feel good about ourselves, whatever the level of our talent. He was a very special person.
My deepest sympathies to the Weisse family. Mr Weisse fostered a love of music in all who passed through his classroom. My family and I were so lucky to be taught by him and to have him put up with all the shenanigans of us teenagers. May he be greeted by a choir of angels perfectly in tune.
Mr. Weisse was the most influential teacher I had in high school. I spent so much time in the music room – it was my second home. Please take comfort in the knowledge that he touched the lives of so many of us and gave us all such great experiences and memories of NRHS. He was the best!
My deep condolences to the Weisse family. He was a remarkable person to put up with my antics in the glee club, band and plays, I still remember “Hal” coming down my snowy road in the winter for trumpet lessons. That was the beginning of my music career playing with many bands. One of my fondest achievements was when I got good enough to do a gig with the “master”. Thank you Hal.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. RIP
Deb Ryer
Rebekah Ryer
I also offer my condolences to the Weisse family for their loss. Mr Weisse taught me that music is love. He introduced me to Bach and jazz. There are few experiences in life as joyous as making live music with an ensemble — rehearsing and perfecting and then performing — and I am so thankful to Mr Weisse for the many opportunities he gave us to play together. Now I get to see this love of music continue in my adult children. Rest in peace, sir.