Richard Allen Weiss

Richard (“Rick”) Allen Weiss, age 73, of Destin, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.  Rick was surrounded by the love of his Wife, daughters, son and daughter in law within the comfort of his home.

Rick was born on January 31, 1947 to Kenneth James Weiss and Ione Hoeft-Weiss in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  The family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1949, where he and his older brother James “Jim” Weiss grew up and attended Ft. Lauderdale High School.  Rick went on to attend college and later became a First Lieutenant serving as a tank unit commander in the United States Army.  After completing his dedicated service to his country, Rick began his career as a General Contractor. 

In 1985, Rick met his soulmate, Gerri Weiss. Rick was a dedicated father to his three children:   William Charles Browning, Jr., (age 49 from Coral Springs, Florida); Amber Weiss Marks (age 45 from Phoenix, Arizona) and Ashley Clark Puro (age 41 from Destin, Florida).  For over a decade, Rick and Gerri served as co-owners of Gerri’s Sports Pub in Margate, Florida.  The couple moved to Destin, Florida in 2004, where Rick served as President of RAW Coastal Services, Inc., a construction business building new homes throughout Florida’s Panhandle.

Best known for his cowboy hat, blue jeans, boots and deep voice, Rick was a modern day cowboy who never hesitated to lend his strong hands to help his family, friends and neighbors.   Rick loved country music, dancing, home improvement projects, fishing, and riding his Big Dog custom motorcycle.  As a former football player himself, Rick was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers, Florida State Seminoles and Nascar. He enjoyed Friday Game Nights with the couple’s many friends, although he certainly did not have much of a poker face. He unwittingly showed his hand with his signature smirk and blushing cheeks.

In 2015, Rick was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.  But, Rick was a fighter and he proudly danced at his son’s wedding to Yesenia Perez-Browning less than one month following his diagnosis.   Rick courageously battled cancer head on, never losing hope or love for life.  

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Gerri Weiss; his son Bill Browning and his Wife, Yesenia; his daughter Amber Marks and her husband Karl, and grandchildren Haley, Reece and Christian; and his daughter Ashley Puro, Esq., and grand-cat Chloe Kinsley.  Rick has joined his loved ones in heaven, including his Father, Mother, his brother Jim, his Mother-in-Law Mary Fette (“Bubbles”), and his beloved companions Pepper, Katie Girl, Casie Marie and Phoebe Doo. 

My beloved and dedicated Husband, you are the love of my life and I am grateful for the 36 wonderful years we shared.  We love and will honor you always. May you enjoy the peace and comfort you deserve in the hands of God, until I can hold you again, my love and my life, Gerri Weiss.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of life gathering will be held on a future date in the family’s home.  If you would like to receive updates regarding the date and time of this event, please contact Gerri at (954) 439-6066, or Ashley at Ashley@purolawfirm.com.  Cards and flower arrangements are being accepted at the Weiss's home residence: 46 Indian Bayou Drive, Destin, Florida 32541.