Obituary of Maria T. Weidinger

Maria Theresa (Riccobono) Weidinger, 76 years of age, left for her next journey on Friday, October 25th. 

Our beloved Maria wanted to be remembered for her deep love of family. Being a mother, grandmother and wife gave her the greatest joy. Social work was a passion and calling that Maria lived everyday. 

Maria was born in Philadelphia, grew up in Manayunk, attended Dobson Elementary School and St. Lucy’s Elementary School, and graduated from Bishop Kenrick Catholic High School in 1966. Maria continued her education, studying social work and gerontology and earned her MSW from Temple University in 1986. She lived in Philadelphia until 1999 and then relocated to Plymouth Meeting, PA where she enjoyed the suburbs with her late husband and several cats over the years. Maria began her social work career at Interact Senior Center in Roxborough and continued with organizations such as Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, Abramson Center for Jewish Life, and the Alzheimer's Association. Maria was elected and served a four year term on Plymouth Meeting Council beginning in 2010 where she advocated for her community and its members. She continued to chair and serve on various township action committees long after her term ended. She became an adjunct professor at Gwynedd Mercy University and Delaware County Community College, where she passed on her love for social work and sociology for more than 16 years. In 2019 Maria was awarded Social Worker of the Year by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She enjoyed playing Bocce with her friends and teammates at the Greater Plymouth Community Center, swimming at the community pool and taking walks at Harriet Wetherill Park with her grandchildren and Joe. Maria enjoyed her backyard wildlife visitors on a daily basis, lovingly maintained a fish pond and vegetable garden, and referred to the beach as her happy place. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Martha’s Food Pantry until very recently, which was true to her extremely compassionate nature. 

Maria is predeceased by her husband and best friend Joe, and is survived by her daughter Deborah and son Joseph P (Michelle) and three grandchildren Ashley, Morgan and Ryan. In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Riccobono-Martin and sister Nancy Venner. She is preceded in death by her parents Carmella and Philip Riccobono and her brother Salvatore Riccobono. 

Family and friends are invited to visit and attend a short service on Friday, November 1st, at Lownes Funeral Home, 659 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. Visitation begins at 11 AM with Celebration of Life beginning at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send any donation to Spay and Save Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 122 Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 in Maria’s memory.