Longtime Malibu resident Jack B. Weiner died at the age of 88 on May 8, 2017, from complications of lung disease.
Weiner was the husband of Sandy Lewis and father of Rebecca Weiner Tompkins, Amy W. Miller and Andy Weiner.
Weiner was born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 1, 1929. He made his early living as a business writer but also wrote songs, the most notable being “Forty-Nine Broken Hearts,” recorded by Barry Sadler in 1966.
His 1973 novel “The Morning After,” published by Dell/Delacorte, depicted the protagonist’s struggle with alcoholism and, in 1974, it was made into a widely reviewed and acclaimed ABC TV Movie of the Week starring Dick Van Dyke, who was nominated for an Emmy for his performance. W.W. Norton was the publisher of Weiner’s 1976 nonfiction book “Drinking.” In 1989, he was hired to write “A Day at a Time.” Written anonymously, it became one of the seminal books of the 12-step recovery movement, and has sold many millions of copies in various formats and languages. It remains in print and provides comfort, hope and inspiration for innumerable people worldwide.
Weiner and his wife Sandy co-authored numerous recovery books, including “A New Day,” “At My Best,” “Tranquility,” “A Time to Be Free” and “Above and Beyond,” all widely translated, enabling those around the globe to benefit from their messages. This August 16, 2017, would have marked the 47th anniversary of Weiner’s own sobriety. Although the books have reached many people, Weiner maintained the anonymity of the recovery movement throughout his life.
Wherever Weiner lived, whether the Los Angeles area, in Malibu, his home starting in the early 70s or, finally, Oriental, N.C. where he moved in 1997, he provided support and guidance in the fellowship community.
In addition to his wife and his three children, he is survived by his brother Peter (spouse Susan,) three grandchildren, a great grandson, a cousin, two nieces and a nephew.
“May he rest in peace in the realm of the spirit,” a loved one said.
Donations in his name may be made to the Dottie Gray Ambulance Fund, Oriental, N.C.