The Rev. John Richard “Dick” Weston died on January 4, 2025, at the age of 89 (1935-2025).
Dick was born on December 13, 1935, in Schenectady NY, to Robert T. Weston and Ruth Boddy Weston. His father was a minister of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady. Throughout his childhood, the family moved frequently, living in Lexington MA; Jacksonville FL; Morris Plains,NJ; and Brockton MA, before settling in Louisville KY. There, Dick pursed his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Louisville (1960). After college, he worked as a publicity writer for a Louisville radio and television station.
Throughout his college and working years, Dick remained deeply connected to the church, finding purpose and fulfillment in church-related work and community affairs. As his commitment deepened, he realized that the most meaningful life for him could only be found in the Unitarian Universalist ministry. He believed that the UU ministry would allow him to live a life that was both honest and meaningful, while helping others do the same. After three years in his publicity role, he resigned to pursue his calling and enrolled at Starr King School for the Ministry, receiving his Master of Divinity degree in 1963.
The Rev. Weston was ordained on October 13, 1963, by the UU Fellowship of Los Gatos CA, where he served as the Fellowship’s first minister (1963–1966). He then continued his ministry at the UU Congregation of Whittier, CA (1966–1970); the UU Fellowship of Centre County PA (1971–1976); and the UU Church of Jacksonville FL (1976–1981). In 1981, he accepted a call from the North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield IL, where he would serve until 1988. He then went on to minister at the First Universalist Parish of Santa Paula CA (1989–1991) and the UU Church of Ventura CA (1991–2000). In recognition of his years of dedicated service, the Ventura Church honored him as their minister emeritus in 2000.
From 2002–2003, the Rev. Weston took on the role of an interim minister at the Auckland Unitarian Church, New Zealand. Upon returning to the U.S., he continued his ministry at the UU Congregation of Lynchburg VA (2003–2006), and later served as a consulting minister for the UU Congregation of Hillsborough NC (2006–2008).
In addition to his parish and interim ministries, the Rev. Weston was engaged in denominational affairs and leadership. He was the founding president of the Pennsylvania UU Legislative Lobby (1971–1972), served as Continental Newsletter Editor and Executive Committee member of the UUMA (1975–1977), and was president of the Florida Chapter of the UUMA. He also served as president of the Alumni Association of Starr King School for the Ministry (1985–1986) and as a consulting minister for the UU Fellowship of Conejo Valley, Thousand Oaks CA (1990). Additionally, he was on the planning committee for the Pacific Southwest District UUMA Chapter Retreat (1990–1991).
Dick was involved in the broader community leadership as well. He served as President of the ACLU of Central PA (1975–1976) and the Chicago Area Liberal Ministers (1982–1983). He was Vice President of the U.S. Chapter of International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF, 1984–1987), and a board member of the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, Chicago (1985–1988).
In his leisure time, he found joy in writing poetry and collecting art objects and works. He also enjoyed jogging and camping as ways to stay connected with nature.
Dick is survived by his children Alisse W. Fisher, Chris Weston, Bruce Weston (Kim), Brian Wilkinson (Valerie), and David Wilkinson; 21 grandkids, and 13 great-grandkids; as well as beloved Westons, Wilkinsons, friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Weston-Jones; stepson Jeff Wilkinson; and brother Robert T. Weston, Jr.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Community Church of Chapel Hill UU, 106 Purefoy Rd, Chapel Hill NC 27514. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Notes of condolences may be written here.