James "Sam" Weller

WELLER, James "Sam", 76 of Cincinnati (Western Hills), passed away peacefully at home on July 8th, surrounded by his loving family. "Jim" was born to Frank and Martha Weller on March 3rd, 1945 and raised in Northside before entering St. Gregory Athenaeum Catholic Seminary where he acquired both his nickname "Sam" and countless lifelong friends. After leaving the seminary, he met Gerry Rose, a former Franciscan sister, who shared his commitment to the Civil Rights movement. They married on December 19th, 1970 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Sam's devotion to helping others led him to pursue a career in Social Work, most of which was spent with the Ohio Department of Human Services. He and Gerry shared a passion for travel and learning about different people and different cultures. They have been active parishioners of Bellarmine Chapel at Xavier University for over 25 years.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, as well as his sister Susan (Patrick) Molloy and brother-in-law Gary (Jackie) Voelkerding. Together Sam and Gerry raised 3 children – Jay (Giselle) Weller, Jon (Sarah) Weller, and Marta (Dusty) Getz, and for the past 17 years have committed themselves to helping raise 9 beautiful grandchildren – Nico, Jackson, Leo, Maya, Joseph, Samantha, Elena, Analise, and Rosie. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Jackie Voelkerding and Terri (Oliver) Densford, and brother-in-law Patrick Molloy, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. In his retirement, Sam cared for grandchildren multiple times weekly, and his happiest days were those spent at the Cincinnati Zoo, Museum Center, or a park with the grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday July 18th at Meyer Funeral Home, 5864 Bridgetown Road in Western Hills. Another brief visitation will also be held at Bellarmine Chapel on the campus of Xavier University at 10:00 AM on Monday July 19th, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Bellarmine Chapel, to the Global Opportunity Scholarship Fund at the University of Cincinnati (a program that provides education opportunities to underprivileged students from around the world), or to the non-profit of your choice.