WORCESTER -- Former WPI football coach Bob Weiss passed away on June 20th, 2026, at his home in Mystic, CT. Weiss guided the Engineers football program for 10 seasons, leading the Crimson and Gray to its most recent undefeated, untied season in 1983.
 
Born and raised in Putnam, CT, he was the son of Claire (Roy) and Isadore (Izzy) Weiss. Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patti; his children, Kevin (Elizabeth), Cindy, and David (Sherrie); his grandchildren, Caroline Weiss, Emily Salsky (Andy), Victoria Hanner (Frank), Nick (Blair), Kirsten Oltmanns, Kyle (Jenna), and Abigail Weiss; his great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Zachary, Asher, Elyse, and Joanna Salsky, along with Griffin and Brodie Weiss; his brother, James Weiss (Nancy); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 
Weiss took over on Boynton Hill in 1978 with the Engineers searching for their first winning season in nearly a decade. He delivered WPI's first winning campaign since 1968 with a 5-3 record in 1980. Five more winning seasons followed, highlighted by the memorable 1983 squad that finished a perfect 8-0 and earned a spot in the nation's top 10 rankings.
 
"Coach Weiss was a great leader," said Ed Moffitt '84, 1983 co-captain. "He cared deeply about the school, the team and every player who played for him. The practices were hard every day, but he had us ready to play on Saturdays, no matter who the opponent was."
 
A 1958 graduate of Tufts University, Weiss lettered and excelled in both football and baseball. His head coaching career began at Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge before he moved to New London (CT) High School, where he continued his winning tradition. He then spent four seasons as defensive line coach at the University of Connecticut before returning to the high school ranks at Fitch High School. During his fourth season, Fitch was ranked No. 1 in New England and among the nation's top 10. Weiss later served as the freshman coach at Dartmouth before arriving in Worcester to usher in a new era of WPI football.
 
Following his retirement from coaching, Weiss began a new chapter by building and operating two successful insurance agencies.

"Coach Weiss believed in us long before we believed in ourselves," remarked Mike Dagle '84. "He taught us that success came through hard work, preparation, sacrifice and discipline. While the games have long since been played, the lessons he taught continue to guide us every day. His influence shaped not only the players we became, but the men we are today."

He leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond championships and undefeated seasons. Through his leadership, mentorship and genuine care for others, he made a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes, colleagues and friends. His spirit will continue to live on in the lives of all those he touched.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 13th, 2026, at 11am at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Avenue, Niantic, CT 06357. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Little Neck Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385.
 
Full Obituary