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Topic: Stephen Weisner Memorial Service

Time: Feb 6, 2026 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Stephen George Weisner, Ph.D. Amherst, Massachusetts

Born on March 13, 1949 to January 28, 2028.

Stephen George Weisner, of Amherst, Massachusetts was a dedicated historian, revered educator, and New York native, passed away on January 28, 2026 at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 13, 1949, to Harold and Anna (Ausfresser) Weisner in New York City, Stephen's roots and intellectual curiosity were forged in the borough of Queens. He carried the proud, practical spirit of his upbringing throughout his life. A 1967 graduate of Martin Van Buren High School, he earned his Bachelor's degree from The College of Staten Island in 1971 and his Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Massachusetts in 1973, launching a lifelong commitment to education.

For over four decades, from 1973 until his retirement in 2014, Professor Weisner shaped the minds of countless students at Springfield Technical Community College and other area colleges. In his American History classroom, he was known for his deep knowledge, fair-mindedness, and genuine interest in his students' success. This was acknowledged by the College when in 1988 he was awarded the prestigious Faculty of the Year Award for Teaching Excellence. His commitment to making history accessible extended beyond the lecture hall; he was a co-author of the widely used textbooks American Portraits: Biographies in United States History, Volumes I and II, bringing historical figures to life for a generation of learners.

His own scholarly passion led him back to the University of Massachusetts to pursue his Doctorate of Philosophy under the celebrated mentorship of biographer Stephen B. Oates. His doctoral work culminated in the 1986 biography Embattled Editor: The Life of Samuel Bowles, the first major study of the influential newspaper editor in a century. Stephen's authoritative scholarship on Bowles was further recognized with an entry in The American National Biography, published by Oxford University Press, cementing his status as a leading expert on the subject. His meticulous research illuminated the complex life of a man who shaped political discourse, connecting his academic work directly to the historical landscape of the Springfield community he served for 41 years.

Stephen was more than his professional achievements. He was a beloved husband, a cherished father, and a loyal friend. He found joy in watching the New York Knicks play basketball and the NY Mets win World Series's. He kept up with the news of NYC by reading the New York Times and The Daily News, daily. Stephen's love of news and politics had him discussing the events of the day and the political landscape with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, of 50 years, Jane Eastwood; his children, Sarah Weisner of Northampton, Hannah Weisner and Kristof Holm of Hyde Park, Vermont; and his granddaughter, Elea Weisner Holm; his sister, Linda Levine of Memphis, Tennessee In-laws, Mary Ellen and Daniel Petruccelli and Anne Eastwood-Lin of Springfield, Massachusetts, nephew, Michael and Bonnie Levine of Atlanta, Georgia, Mark & Michelle Levine of Memphis, Tennessee, niece, Catherine Petruccelli of Norwood, Massachusetts, Michael Petruccelli and Thomas Lin of Springfield, Massachusetts, and a along with a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and the many former students who were inspired by his intellect and compassionate guidance.

A service to celebrate Stephen's life will be held at a later date at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in the memory of Stephen G. Weisner to The Springfield Library Foundation: https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/donateefp/; P.O. Box 28, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Stephen's was a life dedicated to learning, teaching, and family. He sought truth in the archives, shared it in the classroom and through his writings, and found his greatest happiness at home. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.