Don Weingart retires after 71 years

SALEM -- Former co-workers, public officials past and present, friends and family came together to celebrate the retirement of and honor 71 years of dedicated service ensuring the safety and quality of Salem's water by Don Weingart Thursday.

Weingart began his career with the Salem Utilities Department at age 17 in 1952, where he continued to faithfully serve his community until his final day with the department earlier this month. Weingart served for 35 years in potable water treatment prior to being named the city's utilities superintendent, a position he had held for the last 38.5 years.

Weingart officially had his last day at the department July 8, noting that he already missed his work and that after spending such a significant portion of his life its absence had left "a big void."

"You know there's no regiment to my life now. It's different, totally different, but we'll manage it," joked Weingart.

Weingart said that currently his days are taken up with the "honey-do list," and that he didn't have anything major planned with his new free-time. Weingart joked that "after 71 years you leave certain things like that behind."

Weingart said he enjoyed his time at the department and credited his longevity to that enjoyment, noting that he had enjoyed working on the many projects and improvements during his career.

"That's the reason I stayed so long. I really enjoyed it, I saw a lot of projects, and a lot of water over the dam, and most of the time it was very enjoyable," said Weingart.

Weingart's celebration saw him receive gifts and recognitions from those he has collaborated with during his career including the utilities department and commissioners, the Columbiana County Engineer and the Operator Training Committee of Ohio. The department presented Weingart with a certificate and a beautiful painting honoring his years of dedicated service and Columbiana County Engineer Bert Dawson gifted Weingart a shirt with the county department's logo on behalf not only of himself, but of the entire department and the Columbiana County Commissioners.

The celebration also saw Weingart presented with the prestigious Operator Training Committee of Ohio Executive Director's Award, delivered personally by Commission Executive Director Curtis Truss, "for 71 years of dedication to the water and wastewater profession, ensuring the quality of life, and regulatory compliance for the city of Salem and surrounding community." This award is only presented to those who have made a significant contribution to the field of water and wastewater management. Truss said that Weingart had been working in the field even longer than him and had been an invaluable resource not only to him but to everyone working in water and wastewater in the area.

This praise was echoed Dawson who praised Weingart's wealth of knowledge and experience, and his ability to remain considerate and easy to work with regardless of circumstance.

"In my time I've met a lot of mayors, governors and even a few presidents, and Don has something many people don't. He is a true gentleman and that's a rare thing in this day and age," said an emotional Dawson.

Dawson further praised Weingart's ability to remain humble, and constant willingness to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with anyone who wanted to learn.

"I hope he has a long and happy retirement. I truly do," said Dawson.

Utilities Commission Chairman Bob Hodgson has been working with Weingart for 15 years in his position as a commissioner, and that during that time he has learned a great deal from Weingart.

"There really is a lot to learn from him, his mind is like a history book of the department and everything it owns. He can take you on a car tour of the city and show you every valve and well we own," said Hodgson.

Hodgson also praised Weingart's efforts to help his successor Butch Donnalley prepare for his new role, and provide support and knowledge when needed, noting he hoped he would continue to provide his knowledge when needed.

"What he has done to help Butch is really exceptional. He's leaving the campsite well," said Hodgson.

Weingart's influence on his beloved community is so significant, and his retirement so well earned that even prior to his ceremony several city officials took time to wish him well in his retirement; and thank him for his years of service, and the wisdom he has imparted to them in the city council's most recent meeting July 18, including all the members of council and Law Director Brooke Zellers.

Weingart leaves the department that has shaped much of his life in the capable hands of Donnalley, who has decades of experience in the field and served as the utilities superintendent in Leetonia prior to joining the city in department as assistant superintendent in 2020. Donnalley has been manning day-to-day operations at the department ahead of Weingart's retirement since April. In addition to Donnalley's stewardship the department will remain under the experienced eyes of the Hodgson and Utilities Commissioners Randall Malmsberry and Kyle Cranmer.

mahart@mojonews.com