Thursday, March 28, 2024

Obituary of Michael Edward Weston , 37

Name of Deceased Michael Edward Weston
Age 37
Date of Death 10/26/2009
Date of Birth 12/29/1971
Funeral Home na

Special Agent and Major Michael Edward Weston, 37, of Washington, D.C., died in a helicopter crash in western Afghanistan on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009.

Born Dec. 29, 1971, in Los Angeles, Calif., he was the son of Judy M. and her husband, Steven H. Zarit, of State College, and Steven W. and his wife, Jude Weston, of Lake Arrowhead, Calif. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Tidler, of Washington, DC.

Mike was a graduate of State College Area High School, had degrees in Computer Science and Economics from Stanford University, and graduated Cum Laude from Harvard Law School. While in law school, Mike joined the Marine Corps, and served as an officer at Camp Pendleton. He had three tours of duty in Iraq with the Marines. After leaving active duty, he alternated between work as a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency in Richmond, Va., and the Marine reserves. He had just begun a DEA assignment in Afghanistan when he met an untimely death.

In addition to his parents, Mike is survived by his brothers, Thomas A. Weston, his wife Jessica Sidman and their son Brian, of Amherst Mass., Benjamin D. Zarit, of Chicago, Ill., Matthew and Jenna Zarit, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and his sister, Megan Manly, of Nashville, Tenn. Also in State College are his maternal grandparents, Avis and Laurence A. Maes.

Mike lived every day of his life to the absolute fullest. He loved being strong and using his strength to protect those he loved. He loved his country, and believed that fighting terrorism was the best way to ensure our way of life. He will be missed. Mike was known for his quick wit and wonderful stories. He was an honorable man and a leader, whether among friends or in the Marines or DEA.

A memorial service will be held on Nov. 6, 2009, at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at the family's convenience. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or the Drug Enforcement Agency's Survivor fund (www.deamemorial.org).