In Memoriam: Weiner, Ronald
(1943-2025)
Ronald Weiner, just shy of age 83, passed away at Suburban Hospital on April 29, 2025. He had a distinguished career as professor of cell biology and molecular genetics at the University of Maryland and was a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
Weiner was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late Karl and Adele (Wechsler) Weiner, and brother of the late Alice Miller. He graduated from Brooklyn College in 1964, and then continued his education at Long Island University, Brooklyn campus, where he earned his M.S. in microbiology, followed by a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
Weiner had a distinguished career as professor of cell biology and molecular genetics at the University of Maryland. He began his career there as a young professor, quickly rising in the ranks to tenure and eventual title of distinguished professor. During his career, he published over 100 peer-refereed papers in marine microbiology, mentored numerous graduate students through their doctorate and master’s degrees; and taught over 20,000 undergraduate students (i.e., over 700 students each semester for 29 years).
Weiner was a prominent member of multiple scientific societies, most notably, the American Society for Microbiology. He had 2 Fulbright scholarships, 1 with colleagues in Peru and the other with colleagues in Israel, with whom he enjoyed his collaboration and prolific publishing. Ronald finished out his illustrious career at the National Science Foundation, leading a scientific panel that awarded grants.
He was the loving father of Keri (Michael), Tamra (Roee) and Arin (Johnny), and partner of Diann Onsted, with whom he shared 30+ years. He was also the cherished grandfather of his 6 grandchildren.
Obituary submitted by Tamra Holtzer.
Weiner was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late Karl and Adele (Wechsler) Weiner, and brother of the late Alice Miller. He graduated from Brooklyn College in 1964, and then continued his education at Long Island University, Brooklyn campus, where he earned his M.S. in microbiology, followed by a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
Weiner had a distinguished career as professor of cell biology and molecular genetics at the University of Maryland. He began his career there as a young professor, quickly rising in the ranks to tenure and eventual title of distinguished professor. During his career, he published over 100 peer-refereed papers in marine microbiology, mentored numerous graduate students through their doctorate and master’s degrees; and taught over 20,000 undergraduate students (i.e., over 700 students each semester for 29 years).
Weiner was a prominent member of multiple scientific societies, most notably, the American Society for Microbiology. He had 2 Fulbright scholarships, 1 with colleagues in Peru and the other with colleagues in Israel, with whom he enjoyed his collaboration and prolific publishing. Ronald finished out his illustrious career at the National Science Foundation, leading a scientific panel that awarded grants.
He was the loving father of Keri (Michael), Tamra (Roee) and Arin (Johnny), and partner of Diann Onsted, with whom he shared 30+ years. He was also the cherished grandfather of his 6 grandchildren.
Obituary submitted by Tamra Holtzer.