Hugh John Weidinger, Iii

Hugh John Weidinger, III, 72, of Wakefield, Rhode Island, Oyster Bay, NY, died on Sunday, September 29, 2013, in Wakefield, RI. Born in New York City on April 3, 1941, the son of Hugh Weidinger and Helen Rountree Weidinger, “Hughie,” or “Jake,” as his many friends and colleagues called him, lived a full life as a successful business man, loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. Hugh is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Nancy Wallis Weidinger; his son, Hugh J. Weidinger IV and wife Julia Tiernan Weidinger of Locust Valley, NY; daughter Jessie A. Weidinger of New York, NY; and daughter Catherine W. Gruhler and husband Thom of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Hugh (V), William and Eliza Weidinger and George and Finn Gruhler, as well as his sister, Helen Angela Weidinger of Wakefield, RI. Hugh was a proud graduate of Berkshire School 1960 in Sheffield, MA. He felt very strongly that his high school experience at Berkshire gave him the tools he needed to do well in life, for which he was always grateful. Hugh was a Trustee of Berkshire for nine years and an active alumnus, serving on the Class of 1960 Reunion Committee for his 50th reunion in 2010. After attending Berkshire School, Hugh received his BA Degree from The College of William and Mary ‘64, after which he joined the US Marine Corps Reserves, training at Parris Island and serving in the Reserves for six years. Hugh began his career in 1965 at Hempstead Auto Company founded by his father in 1938. From the start, Hugh's sincerity, work ethic and passion for people grew the small Jaguar business into what would become the country’s leading Jaguar dealership. The dealership celebrated its 75th year in 2013, making it the oldest Jaguar dealership in the United States. The company has expanded to include Cadillac, GMC and Buick brands, with over 110 employees. Hugh was a member of the Willow Dell Beach Club, The Dunes Club and was a founding member of the Matunuck Ponds Gentlemen’s Fishing Club (MPGFC), all in Rhode Island. Hugh was also a 40-year member of the Long Island Wyandanch Club in Eastport, NY. The Matunuck hills and ponds of Wakefield, RI, held a special place in Hugh’s heart since early childhood, and he spent the majority of his retirement there on his family homestead, Long Pond Farm. The magic of the Rhode Island woods is perhaps the greatest gift he gave to his family and the many friends who gathered there. Hugh’s charisma, vigor and fun-loving character impacted every aspect of his life and family. Pilot, hunter, fisherman and avid collector of antique cars, Hugh was always on the go, effortlessly involving his family and many friends in his interests. Even his most mundane activities were transformed into memorable adventures for Hugh and his companions. On more than one occasion he would lure an unsuspecting sidekick into working on the yard, clearing brush, or driving around taking care of quirky errands. A pilot for over 30 years, Hugh enjoyed flying his twin-engine Cessna Conquest to destinations around the country with his wife, son, friends and beloved Brittany spaniel, Rusty, to hunt pheasant and quail. In recent years, Brays Island Plantation in Sheldon, SC, became a new home for Hugh and Nancy, where he was involved in hunting and sporting clays. He charmed and was charmed by the warm Bray’s community. For those he leaves behind, Hugh's far-reaching generosity and sharp wit will remain cherished stories and intimate, loving memories. Hugh's colleagues will remember a persuasive twinkle in his eye and firm leadership. His family will remember a man who kept them close and gave of himself endlessly. He gained respect from people in all walks of life, inspiring all with his steadfast work ethic and the joy of simple pleasures. Calling hours will be held Friday, October 4, 2013 from 4-7pm at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI (401) 783-7271. A Requiem Eucharist will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2013, at Saint Peter’s-by-the-Sea, 72 Central Street, Narragansett, RI,. A memorial reception will be held on Long Island on Wednesday October 9th from 5-8pm at The Creek Club, 1 Horse Hollow Ct., Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516) 676-1405. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peters by-the-Sea Episcopal Church , 72 Central Street, Narragansett, RI 02882, stpetersbythesea.com or Berkshire School, 245 North Undermountain Road, Sheffield, MA , 413-229-1225, berkshireschool.org. For guest book and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com.