RI political activist Mark Weiner laid to rest

August 2, 2016 6:47 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A special goodbye Tuesday to a Rhode Island political powerhouse: Mark Weiner.

More than 300 people attended his funeral at Temple Beth-El in Providence, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Former Clinton Strategist James Carville.

"He leaves a tremendous legacy that every Rhode Islander should be proud of," said RI Democratic Party Chair Joe McNamara.

Weiner’s legacy with the Democratic Party is far-reaching. He became friends with the Clinton’s in 1976, when he worked with Hillary on Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. Weiner also worked for Bill’s campaign.

The former president delivered the eulogy as Hillary watched from the front row, calling Weiner, “forever young, forever exuberant.” He recounted memories from their countless trips around the world following Bill’s exit from the White House and recalled how Weiner always went out of his way to be kind, even to people he’d never see again.

“The President inspired everyone to go out and carry [Weiner’s] message forward: Help someone you don’t know, and when you do, smile, and that smile will be a part of Mark’s legacy,” McNamara said.

"The Clinton’s were very upset and emotional [at the funeral],” said RI Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello. “They’re very close to Mark, genuine friends."

Weiner’s four children spoke family tributes. Judge Frank Caprio and former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino offered reflections.

Rev. Jesse Jackson and former Clinton Strategist James Carville were among those to attend the funeral. "You just couldn’t have a better friend than Mark Weiner,” Carville told ABC6 News.

Carville was among 36 people to be in Weiner’s Honor Guard, a group of wide-ranging distinguished guests, from former Gov. Terry McAuliffe to Hollywood producer Steve Bing to former Bruce Springsteen Drummer Max Weinberg.

"He befriended everybody and he gave of himself," recalled Mattiello.

Family and friends remember Weiner for his kindness, vibrant spirit and love of telling stories.