Morris Mark “Chip” Weinman, a Baltimore-based political lobbyist and later-in-life entertainer, passed away on Sunday, June 8. The Pikesville resident was 78.
A 1965 Baltimore City College alumnus, Weinman was the director of the Toby & Melvin Weinman Foundation, which supports organizations involved with education, health and Jewish causes. In addition, he served as president of the Maryland DC Delaware Broadcasters Association from 1990 to 2010.
At the age of 62, Weinman achieved his lifelong ambition to become a professional singer after surviving thyroid cancer and overcoming other obstacles.
In November of 2009, he performed at the Hippodrome Theatre with Scottish pop superstar Sheena Easton at his show, “Under the Covers … Timeless Love Songs,” which featured a 47-piece orchestra and was filmed by the Public Broadcasting System.
The show was a benefit for the University of Maryland Medical System, and publicity for the concert included billboards around town asking the question, “Who is Chip Weinman?”
“The whole idea of this show is, who is this guy?” Weinman told WJZ-TV at the time. “I’ve really been fortunate. If I weren’t a lobbyist and knew all kinds of people and got the ball rolling and created a kind of a snowball effect … this thing should never have happened. It’s impossible.”
In addition, Weinman sang at weddings and performed the national anthem at Orioles games. He also served on the board of directors at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.
“An eternal entertainer and dedicated lobbyist, Chip lived with passion,” his family wrote on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “He took pride in his sons, their spouses, and his grandchildren.”
He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Mandy) Weinman, Ken Weinman (Marjie Wasson) and Brad Surosky (Amy Miller); his brother, Jon (Jan) Weinman; and his grandchildren, Dillon Weinman, Benjamin Weinman, Micah Surosky and Marleigh Riesner.
He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Weinman (nee Gilden), who passed away in May; his brother, Paul Weinman; and his parents, Miriam “Toby” and Melvin Weinman.
Services were held on Tuesday, June 10, at 2:30 p.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Interment at Beth El Memorial Park, 9633 Liberty Road in Randallstown.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to the charity of your choice. The family will be in mourning at 610 Hillstead Drive in Lutherville.
“He was smart, talented, funny and loving to his family, extended family, which are too numerous to count, and friends,” wrote Weinman’s sister-in-law of 43 years, Janice Weinman. “He had a zest for life, and he and Bev lived their best life for as long as possible. … He was a brother to me and will be so missed.”
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