The Hinckley School
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Harvey A. Weinstein
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Portland, ME -- Harvey A. Weinstein, 59, of Portland, passed peacefully on May 3, 2011, after a long struggle with cancer.
He was born to Sarah and William Weinstein on Aug. 8, 1951. Harvey attended Portland area schools and graduated from The Hinckley School in Hinckley, ME with the class of 1969. He also received a BA degree from the University of Maine and attended graduate school at Kent State University in their psychology program. He later attended University of New England in their medical school program.
Harvey is survived by his older brother Jeff, his wife Mary, and their son, David; his sister Elaine Cohen, her husband Stuart, and their children, Steven and Heidi; his sister, Linda Brown and her daughter Lauren; cousins, Stephanie, Bonnie and Murray Shulman; and nephew, Nyk Frye. He was a most devoted son to his beloved mother, Sarah, who recently passed away on April 25, 2011.
A consummate musician, Harvey's musical life began playing trombone in primary school. Swept up by the rock and roll explosion of the 60s, Harvey picked up the bass guitar and then the electric guitar and began playing functions in bars at the age of 13. He continued playing music all through his life, later teaching himself the organ which he parlayed into a full time gig at Valles Steak House. The marquis read, Harvey at the Hammond.
A fine vocalist as well, Harvey could croon in the best Perry Como tradition. He worked his solo gigs all around the area and developed a large fan base with his velvet toned voice and his innate ability to entertain a crowd.
With rock solid time and fantastic ears, Harvey was called upon by the finest musicians Maine has produced. He has played with Don Doane, Tony Boffa, Alex (Coolie) Johns, Don Campbell and Tom Dyhrberg among others. While in Hawaii for a college exchange year, he was the bassist for the Carole Kai Show.
Harvey was a fine professional photographer who collected vintage cameras. He had the patience and discipline to repair cameras under a microscope as he examined and manipulated each part as if it were eye surgery.
People were drawn to Harvey's warm personality and incisive mind. He could converse with any person, at any level, on any subject. Friends would share their troubles with him because he cared, because he was not judgmental, and because his insights were sound. He never told a person what to do but would let him/her reach a conclusion on his/her own. He did for many others without fanfare or need for recognition. For example, he initiated the Annual Veterans Appreciation Fishing Tournament held every summer to rave reviews from all who are involved. Even in the advanced stage of his disease last summer, he worked tirelessly to assure another successful tournament.
Harvey was the producer and disc jockey of Sunday Night Bluegrass on WPOR radio which he quickly built to be the #1 rated show in the state of Maine in his time slot.
He decided he wanted to learn about heating and cooling systems so he enrolled at SMTC and took the courses.
Some of Harvey's greatest qualities were his irreverence, delivered with a sense of humor. He never took himself too seriously.
He was a fabulous friend to a multitude of people as well as having many extraordinary friends whom unanimously agree that Harvey was the most uniquely gifted person they ever met.
Funeral services were held at the Levey Chapel, 471 Deering Ave., Portland, on Sunday, May 8, 2011.