Who was Bob Wiesenberger?
F. Robert Wiesenberger died in September 2001, at the age of 83. He was an active volunteer in community groups for many years.
After his death, RTA’s Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) created a Community Volunteer Award in his name. Nominees must embody what
Wiesenberger stood for: “a spirit of volunteerism, a willingness to get involved; an unselfish giving of oneself, an ability to lead others and a desire to enhance
the quality of life in our community.”
A resident of Rocky River, Wiesenberger had been blind since 1950, as the result of retinitis pigmentosa. He relied greatly on public transportation.
Early years:
- A native of Cleveland.
- Graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, 1935.
- Studied at Spencerian Business College and Fenn College (now Cleveland State University).
- Construction coordinator for the W.S. Tyler Co., a Cleveland firm that manufactured elevator cars. He retired in 1974.
- Returned to college, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban studies from CSU.
RTA involvement:
- Served on RTA’s citizens groups for more than 25 years. The Citizens Participations Advisory Committee (CPAC) was formed in 1979. That changed to the Citizens
Advisory Committee in 1989, and Citizens Advisory Board in 1999.
- He was the first chairman of the CAC, and served in that role many years.
- Often road RTA trains and buses.
- Attended nearly every RTA Board meeting since the agency was created in 1975.
- Focused his efforts on improving public transit services for the disabled.
Community involvement:
- An active member of the Speakers Bureau of the Cleveland Sight Center, he received its “Eye-Deal Award” in 2001.
- Rocky River City Council, 1966-1975, and was council president.
- Chair, Rocky River Planning Commission and Charter Review Commission.
- Volunteer arbitrator, the Better Business Bureau.
- Member, Board of Control, Cleveland Safety Council.
- President, Cleveland Railroad Club.
Quote from resolution of condolence, 2001-123
Adopted by the RTA Board of Trustees Sept. 18, 2001
“F. Robert Wiesenberger constantly used public transportation, in spite of his visual impairment, and set an example for all us with his dynamic personality,
memory for detail and independent spirit...He was an outstanding citizen and tireless volunteer.”
