Ted Weiller remembered as friend, philanthropist

Between the Sarasota Ballet and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Ted Weiller’s passion was felt throughout the community.

“If he believed in you or the organization, he didn’t just throw a check down,” said family friend Melvy Lewis. “He gave up his time and wanted everyone else to love the organization like he did.”

Weiller, 85, of Bird Key, died Nov. 17. 

Weiller and his wife, Jean, were involved in a car crash in October in Massachusetts. Weiller died of complications from injuries suffered in the crash. Jean Weiller remains hospitalized.

The passion he had for many community organizations translated into friendships as well. 

Lewis said Weiller was a philanthropic man who laughed easily and always tried to help friends in any way. 

Family friend Mary Lou Winnick remembers him similarly. 

“He would try to intervene in one way or another to make life easier for people,” Winnick said.

Through Winnick, Jean Weiller said her husband always supported and contributed to the arts, but his true passion was to help children with anything that would make their lives easier. 

That’s why he was a supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. He joined the corporate board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in 2015.

Weiller’s death came two days before his family was to be honored at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Honoring Champions for Children Gala.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is devastated to have learned the news of Ted Weiller’s passing,” said Jaime DiDomenico, Boys & Girls Club board chairman. “Ted was a board member, longtime supporter and truly had a heart for the children we serve. He will be deeply missed.”

Weiller was in his second year on the Sarasota Ballet board, serving on the investment committee. He was a donor and supporter of the ballet for more than 20 years. 

He was instrumental in making it possible for the company last summer to appear at Jacob’s Pillow, a dance center, school and performance space located in Becket, Mass.

“Ted was one of the first people to pick up the phone and welcome me to Sarasota and has been a supporter of the ballet in so many significant ways,” Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb said in a statement. “Margaret (Barbieri, assistant director) and I are deeply saddened at his passing and our hearts go out to his wife, Jean.”

Born in 1931 in New York City, he graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1952 after majoring in business administration. For 30 years, he was the owner and president of Weilwood Industries, a textile converting business, which he sold in 1990.

Weiller was a sponsor to several students at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. 

In October 2014, the Ted and Jean Weiller Rehearsal Hall was dedicated to the couple in recognition of their gifts to the Asolo.

In addition to his wife, Weiller is survived by brother, Peter; sons, Bruce and his wife, Shari, and Jeffrey and his wife, Melissa; stepdaughter Donna Pickup; and four grandchildren.

A memorial will be announced at a later date.