Remembering The Irrepressible Arleen Weitz

If you were ever part of a Philadelphia society soireé (when there were such things) you probably knew Arleen Weitz. If ever attended an event or stayed at Philadelphia's legendary Bellevue Stratford Hotel or the center city Marriott, you may have interacted with Arleen Weitz. If you were part of a Philly based convention or a Philadelphia Bar Association event, you may remember Arleen Weitz. If you dined at The Hunt Room or later at The Palm where the walls were lined with the images of influential Philadelphians, you knew Arleen Weitz. And, of late, if you enjoyed the on/off bus that toured Philadelphia you may have bought your ticket from Arleen Weitz. 

Philly born and raised, Arleen was an intricate part of the fabric of Philadelphia for more than half a century. She was a hospitality grand dame who knew every nook and cranny of the city and all of the town's bigger-than-life personalities. She loved her work as a meetings and events guru and she made it seem easy. She was as at home in a South Philly bar and grill as she was at the Academy Ball or a night at the opera. She could quickly size up the bona fides of everything from a Wawa hoagie to a filet mignon at Butcher & Singer. And she could tell you all about the brokerage firm that give Butcher & Singer its name and the whereabouts of Wawa, Pa. itself. She knew which wines to pour when, which fork to use with what, how to properly address a formal invitation, where to seat (and how to treat) the guest of honor and how to mix the perfect martini. 

Arleen was conversant in all things Philly. She loved the Mummers and the madness and the mettlesome nature of the town. It was simply in her DNA. A center city resident forever, she was a familiar figure at every Big City Event. She was there for all the mammoth celebrations: the Pope's visit (both of them), the Phillies's World series victory (both of them), the Flyers' Stanley Cup triumph (both of them) and everything else including raucous election nights, gaudy street festivals, ritzy galas and dazzling Fourth of July pyrotechnics. 

Arleen also had a soft spot for tough Italian guys. She adored Frank Rizzo, was fascinated with the mob but was also a big fan of the Philly police many of whom she knew on a first name basis. She loved military guys, helped out every year with the annual Marine Corps Ball and corresponded with young Marines, lending them support and encouragement. She was openly and enthusiastically patriotic and delighted in being surrounded by Philly's rich history and heritage. When she sent you a birthday or Christmas card it was distinctively hand-cancelled at the nation's first post office, founded by Benjamin Franklin. And you could be sure the card was painstakingly chosen as well.

Politically active, Arleen remained a proud Republican in an overwhelmingly liberal Democrat town. Boldly unintimidated, Arleen never flinched nor hesitated in expressing her views even in an atmosphere of intolerant wokrness (which, by the way, she found unforgiveable). She valued tradition, rugged individualism and the hallowed tenets of her faith, remaining steadfast in upholding old world standards and manners. She was fastidious in her personal appearance and always looked impeccable. But she was hardly a prude. She had a great sense of humor and always welcomed a good joke or naughty tale. And she was extraordinarily well informed. 

Of course, her sense of humor served her well as she was a cancer survivor and had known her share of ups and downs. This did not discourage her and she went on to counsel others who faced the challenge and anguish of cancer. 

Arleen was devoted to her brother and his children and grandchildren. Since she never married or had children of her own, Arleen's legion of friends were also her family and she always treated them as such. We last saw Arleen a couple of weeks ago when we lunched with her here in Cherry Hill, She was great company as always. Her death was sudden and hugely unexpected as she was seemingly irrepressible and indefatigable. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services Wednesday 11:30 AM precisely at GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS, 6410 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19126. Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Colon Cancer Coalition, www.coloncancercoalition.org, Temple Sinai, www.tsinai.com, or a charity of the donor’s choice.