Chicago hairstylist Ron Weber left an indelible mark on his clients with no-nonsense advice and a sharp tongue, leaving behind a legacy of wit, style, and compassion. At 80, Weber passed away from metastasized melanoma, but his unvarnished assessments will be remembered for years to come.
Weber was known for cutting through the fluff, telling it like it is – whether it was a client's hairstyle or their fashion sense. His infamous phrase "You look like a circus in a phone booth" became synonymous with his irreverent humor and high standards. However, Weber had a softer side, particularly when it came to those close to him. His colleagues at WMAQ-Channel 5 would often joke that he was the funniest person they knew, but also capable of delivering brutal honesty.
For those who knew him, Weber's annual Christmas cards featuring his bare-chested self adorned with holly and a red velvet Santa were an anticipated highlight of the holiday season. He had a strut in the way that commanded attention, whether he was walking down the street or working on someone's hair. Every day was a performance for Weber, who lived life on his own terms.
Behind the bravado, however, lay a compassionate and caring individual who would do anything to help those in need. When his friend Lisa Parker started at WMAQ, Marin directed her to visit Weber, who promptly told her that she needed a makeover. The two became close friends, and Parker has fondly recalled Weber's unwavering loyalty and dedication.
Weber's personal life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies. Growing up in Roseland, he lost his mother in a house fire when he was just 16 years old, an experience that would shape him for the rest of his life. As a gay man living with HIV in the 1990s, Weber faced numerous challenges, but he refused to let them define him.
In recent weeks, a circle of friends rallied around Weber, bringing meals and visiting him at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Even in his final days, Weber was still telling it like it is – this time, about the ridiculousness of a nurse's hairstyle. His story serves as a testament to his unwavering spirit and unshakeable humor.
A celebration of life is planned for Weber, who will be deeply missed by those who knew him. While he may have left us too soon, his legacy of wit, style, and compassion will live on through the countless lives he touched during his 80 years.
Weber was known for cutting through the fluff, telling it like it is – whether it was a client's hairstyle or their fashion sense. His infamous phrase "You look like a circus in a phone booth" became synonymous with his irreverent humor and high standards. However, Weber had a softer side, particularly when it came to those close to him. His colleagues at WMAQ-Channel 5 would often joke that he was the funniest person they knew, but also capable of delivering brutal honesty.
For those who knew him, Weber's annual Christmas cards featuring his bare-chested self adorned with holly and a red velvet Santa were an anticipated highlight of the holiday season. He had a strut in the way that commanded attention, whether he was walking down the street or working on someone's hair. Every day was a performance for Weber, who lived life on his own terms.
Behind the bravado, however, lay a compassionate and caring individual who would do anything to help those in need. When his friend Lisa Parker started at WMAQ, Marin directed her to visit Weber, who promptly told her that she needed a makeover. The two became close friends, and Parker has fondly recalled Weber's unwavering loyalty and dedication.
Weber's personal life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies. Growing up in Roseland, he lost his mother in a house fire when he was just 16 years old, an experience that would shape him for the rest of his life. As a gay man living with HIV in the 1990s, Weber faced numerous challenges, but he refused to let them define him.
In recent weeks, a circle of friends rallied around Weber, bringing meals and visiting him at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Even in his final days, Weber was still telling it like it is – this time, about the ridiculousness of a nurse's hairstyle. His story serves as a testament to his unwavering spirit and unshakeable humor.
A celebration of life is planned for Weber, who will be deeply missed by those who knew him. While he may have left us too soon, his legacy of wit, style, and compassion will live on through the countless lives he touched during his 80 years.
. I mean, 80 years young and still spitting truth in the face of anyone who needed it. his sense of humor was unmatched, but the way he carved up those fashion disasters? 
still got me chuckling. and yeah, behind all that bravado, he had a heart of gold - especially when it came to his friends. i love how they're celebrating his life, not just his sassiness 
. r.i.p. to a legend who left an indelible mark on everyone he met 
RIP Ron Weber, ur legacy is gonna live on thru the countless lives u touched 
Ron Weber was a straight shooter for sure! 
. Those Christmas cards were hilarious 
. What's amazing is how he used his platform to support friends like Lisa Parker 
. His struggles with HIV in the 90s must've been tough 
but he never let it bring him down 
. Time to celebrate his life and legacy 
! 
I mean who tells someone they look like a circus in a phone booth? That's gotta be some tough love 
But at the same time, it sounds like he had a soft spot for those close to him and was always willing to help people out. I'm so glad he did Christmas cards with holly and Santa on them 
It's crazy how someone who seems so confident and carefree could also be dealing with stuff like HIV and losing their mom at 16. It's awesome that his friends rallied around him during his final days, that must've meant a lot to him 
. It's a shame he passed away too soon, but I'm glad we got to see all the amazing things he did during his time 
.
. The guy was like a breath of fresh air - always speaking his mind and keeping it real 
. But what I loved most about him was how he could be brutally honest with you one minute, and then give you the biggest hug the next 
! His legacy is definitely going to be missed, but I'm so grateful for the time we had with him 