By Dan Yount
The Cincinnati Herald
Richard A. (Dick) Weiland, who was an advocate for Cincinnati’s Black community and others, a prominent philanthropist, lobbyist and advisor, died January 19, 2023. He was 93.
Mr. Weiland was president of Richard Consulting Corporation, where he make good things happen to good people, transcending race, religion, political affiliation and sexual orientation. Working as a political lobbyist with influential friends locally, statewide and nationally, Mr. Weiland was an expert in looking after the Cincinnati community and the disadvantaged.
In recognition of his tireless support and guidance as a valuable crusader and esteemed civic and community leader, Mr. Weiland had received American Jewish Committee (AJC) Cincinnati’s Community Service Award in 2016 at the AJC Human Relations Reception at the Mayerson JCC.
For more than 60 years, Mr. Weiland was a prominent philanthropist, lobbyist and advisor. He remained remarkably committed to Civil Rights, individuals with special needs, social services, and dozens of other causes that he passionately supports.
The lifelong Cincinnatian raised millions of dollars for Cincinnati’s arts organizations, as well as for Jewish and non-Jewish social service agencies, hospitals and nursing homes. He worked actively on issues in Columbus and Washington, D.C. on behalf of the community.
Throughout his life, Mr. Weiland was an activist. He served on the board of AJC Cincinnati. He was a co-founder of Halom House, a residence for adults with disabilities; a dedicated leader of the Talbert House, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Kollel, and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and he served on more than 30 other boards and commissions.
In receiving the AJC award, he said, “I’m extremely honored to receive the AJC 2016 Community Service award. It has been my privilege to be associated with AJC for more than 30 years. I only hope this prestigious honor will bring more attention to the causes that need our continued support.”
“Dick Weiland is one of a kind. Without his passion and determination to help agencies in the non-profit world, Cincinnati would not be the same,” said Sandy Kaltman, AJC Cincinnati president, said of Mr. Weiland during the AJC award presentation.
“He was a staunch advocate for The Cincinnati Herald,” said owner Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney. “He once donated $10,000 to The Cincinnati Herald Foundation, which was donated to the Cincinnati State Technical and Community College scholarship fund for Black men.”
Mr. Weiland was the proud father of David, Jeanne, and Fred Weiland, and loving grandfather of Seth, Gabe, Olivia and Matt Weiland, Sarah and Jonathan Moskovitz.
He was the devoted son of the late Fred and Dorothy Weiland, step-son of the late Ruth Weiland, beloved husband of the late Marcia Pastor Weiland.
A memorial service is Sunday, January 29 at 2 p.m. at Wise Center, 8329 Ridge Ave., Amberley Village, 45236. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Halom House, Talbert House, Cincinnati Reds Community Fund, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, or the charity of choice would be appreciated.