Obituary of Nicholas W. Weiss
Nicholas W. Weiss, 79, of Crest Hill, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet. He was born on November 1, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, the son of the late Edwin and Melba (Ellebracht) Weiss.
Nick grew up in St. Louis, graduating from St. Jerome Grade School and Christian Brothers College Military High School. He attended Lewis College, where he received a B.A. degree in Political Science. While at Lewis, he met his future wife Kathleen, who lived in Lockport, and a few months after graduation in 1967, he moved to Joliet. They were engaged by Christmas and were married the following July. Nick was a police officer for over forty years, first serving with the Joliet Police Department for 26 years, where he retired as a lieutenant in 1994. He then served as chief of police for the Villages of Lincolnwood, Midlothian, River Forest, and Elwood. He also served as interim chief for the Village of Gilberts and Oakton Community College.
Nick was an avid reader since grade school. As a teenager, he read mostly historical and science fiction. After college, he mostly read non-fiction, especially about history and politics. While never claiming to be the outdoors type, he enjoyed camping, and it was his favorite part of being a boy scout. He and two friends from high school bought a used umbrella tent for $15 in 1964, and went camping several times, usually in Missouri state parks. Later, he and Kathleen purchased a travel trailer and joined Goose Lake, camping there for several years.
Kathleen was the love of his life, celebrating 56 years of marriage. He was always proud of his sons and was especially proud of the men they have become. He believed they were extremely lucky to find the women they married. He totally agreed that grandchildren were a reward for being parents.
Nick is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (nee Doolin) Weiss of Lockport; sons, Nick (Brandy) Weiss and Jeff (Danielle) Weiss; eight grandchildren, Owen (Erin), Naomi, Jack, Mickey, Gianna, Ben, Abigail and Lauren Weiss; step-mother, Helen McGrath; brother, Ernest (Lena) McGrath, Jr.; brother-in-laws,Bill (Gail) Doolin and Mike (Cathy) Doolin; several nieces and nephews; and best friends, Fred and Diane Hafner.
He is preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Ernest McGrath, Sr.; sister, Marion (McGrath) Walters; father-in-law, Patrick Doolin; mother-in-law, Alice Doolin; brother-in-law, Pat Doolin; and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Ricketts.
Visitation for Nicholas Weiss will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 2:00 p.m.until the time of Funeral Service at 5:00 p.m. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lightways Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
