Jesse Allen Weigel

Jesse Allen Weigel, M.D. FACEP, age 90, of Messiah Village Mechanicsburg, PA, joined the Church Triumphant on December 12, 2023.  He was born July 18, 1933 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Dr. John E. Weigel and H. Irene Weigel. For 53 years, he was married to Janet Kay (McMeans) Weigel who preceded him in death. Together they built a life centered on family and service to others.

Jesse was a graduate of Oliver High School before attending the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his BS and MD degrees.  He began his career in family medicine but soon found his passion in emergency medicine.  As a pioneer of the field, Jesse was instrumental in establishing it as a specialty. He was a founding member of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), eventually starting a Pennsylvania chapter. Jesse was the first Director of Emergency Medicine at Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh.  He helped create three emergency medical service organizations and then united the area's diverse services into a cohesive system. He became the Director for the Pennsylvania Medical Services Council and was a national speaker. He was involved in the startup of the Pittsburgh Paramedic Program and served as its Medical Operations Director.

In 1979, Harrisburg Hospital recruited Jesse to become its Director of Emergency Medical Service. Jesse was the Sr. Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Pinnacle Health System from 1984 until his retirement in 2000. During this period, he also developed the paramedic program at the Harrisburg Area Community College. Throughout his career and into retirement, Jesse continued to act as a leader in his field, serving in many leadership roles and on various boards, establishing new programs, and forever sharing his knowledge with others in organizations too numerous to list, but near to his heart.

Of course, he was so much more than his professional accomplishments. Jesse traveled extensively, was an avid gardener, lover of anything Snoopy, and lived to root for his Pitt Panthers.  His passion for cooking family dinners led him to his second career as a sous chef at the Kitchen Shoppe Cooking School in Carlisle.

Jesse was an active member of Pine Street Presbyterian Church where he was a Stephen Minister. He also served as an elder and a trustee, serving numerous times in each role, including as Treasurer and President.  Jesse was a proud member of the Scottish Society of Central Pennsylvania (Clan Mackay) where he served as treasurer for 17 years.

Though he carried an MD at the end of his name, he also cherished his role as a DAD. Regular Sunday dinners and trips with his three children, Karen L. Weigel of Dillsburg, Kevin L. Weigel and his wife Helen, of Harrisburg, and Jennifer A. Hudson and her husband Richard, of York were some of his fondest memories. Spending time with his grandchildren, Caitlin Corkery (Daniel), Andrew Weigel, Abigail Hudson, Ethan Hudson, and Marcy Weigel and his great grandchildren, Elijah Roush and Helene Corkery, was another source of joy.

Jesse was also preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. A. Linn Weigel, The Rev. Rea S. Weigel and Dr. John E. Weigel, Jr.

All are welcome to join Jesse’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Saturday, December 23, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 12:15 p.m. all at Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 North 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.  Jesse’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at the church immediately following the service.  The Service of Committal will be held Wednesday, December 27 at 1 pm in the mausoleum chapel of the Allegheny County Memorial Cemetery in Allison Park, Pa.  

Memorial contributions can be made to the music program (MAPS) at Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 North 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E8B8DQMGLJUZC.

Jesse’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jesse’s full obituary, view his memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.