Anthony Joseph Weisenberger

DR. ANTHONY JOSEPH WEISENBERGER ASHEVILLE - Dr. Anthony Joseph Weisenberger died peacefully and gently at home on March 6, 2017 with his wife Mari, daughter Julia and close friend Dr. Anne Russell by his side. It was his wish to remain at home and be cared for by family as his health declined. He was born on September 5th, 1944, the adopted son of the late Joseph and Mary Julia Hirn Weisenberger. He grew up in Chillicothe, Ohio. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1967 and Washington University Medical School in 1971. During his last year of medical school he met and married Maria (Mari) Verkamman. They went to San Diego, Ca. where he completed his rotating internship and Psychiatric residency. Deciding not to raise children in California so far from family, they moved to Carbondale, Illinois where he practiced for 5 years. He moved with his family to Asheville in 1981 and was a staff psychiatrist at Appalachian Hall, Charter Behavioral Health until its close. He then entered private practice and later joined the staff of Mission Hospital until 2009. He was very active in AA and helping people was his greatest joy and satisfaction. He is survived by his wife Mari of 46 years, son Scott Weisenberger of Penrose, Colorado, daughter Julia Rice of Asheville, “adopted” son Gai Campbell, sister Criss Miles and her husband David of Athens, Ohio, nephews Ryan and Brett Ritchhart of Colorado, niece Lillian Miles of Athens, Ohio, foster sister Betty Jannsen of Chillicothe, Ohio, sister-in-law Martha and her husband, John Bowman of Metropolis, Illinois, sister-in-law Charlotte Smith of Greenville, NC, brother-in-law Will Verkamman of Vienna, Illinois, sister-in-law Johanna and her husband, Robert Manasse of Asheville, NC, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He also had many young people who called him Dad or Papa Tony. He was a father figure to many. The family would like to thank all who helped in his final days. We can’t ever express all our gratitude. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to the National Alliance on Mental Health, P.O. Box 62596, Baltimore, MD 21264-2596, www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Donate. Doctors Without Borders, 333 7the Ave, New York, NY 10001-5004, www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate, Habitat for Humanity, or Manna Food Bank. A memorial service will be held at Ferguson Auditorium on the AB Tech campus on Saturday, March 25th at 1:30 pm. Family will receive friends after the service in the lobby. All who wish to come are welcome. West Funeral Home is assisting the family. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Dr. Weisenberger’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.