Dr. Harvey M. Weitzel

Reverend Doctor Harvey M. Weitzel, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday morning after a brief illness, holding his beloved wife's hand and surrounded by family.

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Janice (Sockel). A natural storyteller, lover of jazz and the quintessential dinner party guest, Harvey brought life to every gathering with spirited debates on theology, religion, politics, or any topic raised over a chilled gin martini or a fabulous glass of red wine.

Born in 1940 to Bessie (Beidler) and F. Robert Weitzel in Sinking Spring, PA, Harv grew up alongside his younger brother, John, and ten cousins. Overcoming undiagnosed dyslexia, he graduated from the Williamson College of the Trades with a degree in Power Plant Engineering, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He met the love of his life, Janice, during his senior year, beginning a lifetime of adventure that included hill climb racing, dancing the jitter bug, and always holding hands. Together, they loved traveling the world and spent summers creating memories in Bethany Beach, DE, and the 1000 Islands region of Upstate New York.

Harv's lifetime calling was to serve others and he and Janice attended Gettysburg Seminary. He earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University in 1986.

An ordained Lutheran minister for 54 years and an Episcopal priest for the past 20 years, Harv faithfully served congregations across Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. While officiating countless weddings, baptisms, and services-acting as a trusted pastor on call for so many-his greatest pride lay in his 60-year career as a marriage and family counselor. Through a holistic approach, he devoted his life to healing damaged relationships and helping individuals and families find their way back to one another.

Never one to slow down, Harv spent his later years working a winter in a ski shop, raising funds for Hospice St. Joseph in Haiti, and overseeing stewardship for St. James Episcopal Church in Manhattan and serving as an interim pastor across Connecticut. He was always a dapper dresser and remained active as an avid painter, sailor, social golfer, and member of the 70+ Ski Club.

Harv is survived by his wife, Janice; his brother, John Weitzel (Narvon, PA); his daughters, Christine Dusek (Stamford, CT) and Kimberly Kempton (Stamford CT and Clayton, NY); and his four grandchildren, Tyler Dusek, Julia Kempton, Sabrina Dusek, and Lucia Kempton. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Sandra Brendle Weitzel, and his son-in-law, Scott Robinson Kempton. He will be greatly missed as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and therapist.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Stamford, CT, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Lutheran World