Richard “Dick” Kenneth Weidman, 95

November 08, 2025

Richard “Dick” Kenneth Weidman, 95, of Lancaster, PA, formerly of Millersville, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. Born in Penryn, PA, he was the son of the late Marion Weidman Hershey and Arthur Winfield Weidman.

He was married for 60 years to the late Joan Klein Weidman, with whom he shared a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family. Dick is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Weidman Schoener, and grandchildren Lauren Schoener (Cassidy Chaney) of Oceanside, CA, and Bradford Schoener (Jessica) of Philadelphia, PA. He is also survived by nephews Marc and Steven Wise. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan, his infant son David Andrew, his son-in-law Brad Schoener, and his sister Gerry Wise.

At the young age of 7, Dick knew he wanted to be a cartoonist. He proudly attended the White Oak School for (a one-room schoolhouse in Penryn) with his beloved teacher, Miss Steudler. Growing up in the Great Depression, he told his parents that “the world was too serious” and he “wanted to see people smile more.”

A 1948 graduate of Manheim High School, Dick earned membership in the National Honor Society and received both the American Legion Award and the Art Award of 1935. He served as feature and cartoon editor of the school newspaper and competed in track and field throughout high school. In recognition of his lifelong

achievements and creative legacy, he was later inducted into the Manheim Central Hall of Fame (2011).

In late 1948, Dick eagerly joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where his talent contributed to mapping the South Pacific, Alaska’s Seward Peninsula, and Southern California. He drew cartoons for several Army newspapers, offering humor and perspective during his nearly four years of service. After an honorable discharge, Dick entered the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, pursuing a career as a professional cartoonist. He was thrilled to study at the same school that produced Walt Disney and Al Capp.

After returning home, Dick began a 41-year career at WGAL-TV in Lancaster, where he became a beloved and respected member of the team, starting as a graphic artist and cartoonist. His creativity, keen wit, and meticulous attention to detail defined his decades of work as art director and promotion director. Dick is most well-known for years of drawing “Calhoun’s Kids” for meteorologist, Joe Calhoun. In recognition of his lasting impact, he was honored with induction into the WGAL-TV Hall of Fame (2018), as a true TV pioneer.

In addition to his career in television, Dick was an accomplished cartoonist and illustrator. His country cartoon strip, “Silos,” was featured in the Lancaster New Era and Lancaster Senior News, reflecting both his sharp sense of humor and his love of rural Pennsylvania life. A regular exhibitor at many Lancaster Art Shows, Dick also

loved giving presentations on the ‘Art of Cartooning’ to school-aged children to ‘get them excited about art.’

A man of quiet faith, steadfast values, and a generous heart, Dick (aka Grand-Daddy-O) will be remembered for his storytelling, his love of comics, and his deep devotion to his family. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. Those who knew him best will remember his wide smile, infectious giggle, the twinkle in his eye, and the gentle wisdom that came from a life lived with integrity, curiosity, and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate honoring Dick’s lifelong compassion for children and his belief in the power of hope and healing.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received from 10:30 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at 3:00 PM at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. Attendees are encouraged to dress ‘formally but with a splash of yellow’ – Dick’s favorite color. A final showing of his artwork will be highlighted in his memory.