ALPA General Counsel, Henry Weiss Dies at 94

ALPA’s president, Capt. Duane Woerth sadly reports that long-time ALPA General Counsel Henry Weiss has died. He was 94 years old. Capt. Woerth said, "Henry Weiss has been a tremendous asset for ALPA members. Although he has not been physically present during ALPA’s BOD, and Executive Board meetings in recent years—a decision made not by his choice, but by his health. His presence at our meetings has been and will continue to be felt. Henry Weiss is an integral part of our heritage—our history. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten."

Weiss received his undergraduate degree at Cornell University and his law degree at Columbia. He was a line officer with the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1948, during a pilot strike against National Airlines, New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia recommended Weiss to ALPA’s President Dave Behncke as a good source for legal advice. Behncke retained his services. When the strike was settled and the pilots went back to work, the relationship between Weiss and ALPA became permanent. He became the union’s General Counsel and his firm, Cohen, Weiss and Simon, became the primary source of external legal services for ALPA. Weiss also served, until recently, as parliamentarian at all ALPA governing body meetings.

In 1978, the Association honored Weiss for his 30 years of service to the union by making him an Honorary Member—recognition that Weiss treasured for the remainder of his life. Weiss served as ALPA’s legal advisor for more than 50 years. His hallmark was persistence—to find a solution or process to resolve every problem.

Weiss was an adjunct professor of Labor Law (RLA) for 12 years and a founding member of College of Labor & Employment Lawyers.

A funeral for Henry Weiss will be held on August 29 at 10:30 am at the Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester; 2126 Westchester Avenue East; Rye, N.Y. 10580 (914) 967-4382.