Harvard Gazette: Former Dining Services director, Frank Weissbecker, dies at 80

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HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

Former Dining Services director, Frank Weissbecker, dies at 80:

Will be remembered for his people skills

Frank J. Weissbecker, director of Harvard Dining Services for nearly three decades, died of lung cancer June 27 at his home in Weston. He was 80.

Weissbecker worked in Harvard Dining Services from 1942 until his retirement in 1991. He was manager of dining at Quincy House and became director in the early 1960s, said his wife, Joan Weissbecker.

A native of Melrose, Weissbecker received a B.S. in hotel administration from Cornell University and also completed course work at the University of Massachusetts and Boston University.

Although his business was food, Weissbecker will be remembered for his people skills. "He showed me that management was all about staying connected to people," said Vice President for Administration at Harvard Sally Zeckhauser.

Since retiring, Weissbecker enjoyed gardening, golf, tennis, spending time with his dogs, and cooking. "I'm spoiled rotten," said his wife of her husband's kitchen prowess.

In addition to his wife, Weissbecker is survived by three children: Kurt, of Hopkinton; Heidi Blake, of Meriden, Conn.; and Mark, of Richmond.

Services were private. Donations can be made to Health Care Dimensions Hospice, 764 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451; or Buddy Dog Humane Society, Box 296, Sudbury, MA 01776.