Richard Webster

Obituary of Richard D. Webster

Richard D Webster of the Valley passed away February 19, 2021 at the age of 85 due to complications from COVID-19.  Dick was born on March 15, 1935 to Donald and Mildred Webster.  He lived his entire life in the Valley area of Syracuse.

Dick retired from Verizon as an installer/repairman after 47 years.  He started his job at the age of 18 for New York Telephone.  Through the years, the company name changed to NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, and finally Verizon.  It was a job he loved every day of those 47 years.  While working at the telephone company, he met his future wife, Jane, who he was married to for more than 64 years before she passed away last January.  Together, they raised five children.  His love of family was never-ending and always supportive.  His life was his family and he will be dearly missed.

He was a past member of the Valley Men’s Club and Telephone Pioneers. As a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope (St. James) for 66 years, he served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Parish Council.

After his retirement, he delivered flowers for Floral Tributes.  It gave him a reason to drive every day and bring smiles to many people.  After the flower shop closed, he got a second chance opportunity to return to telephone work.  He worked for the New York State Fair keeping their phones up and running during the fair time. It was a double win for him as he loved going to the fair for people-watching and eating his way through the day.

In his retirement years, the love of his dogs gave him a sense of happiness and peace. Walking Molly, Sugar and Spice and Cassie in the cemetery every day gave him something to occupy his days.  He started each day greeting his dog and ended it watching TV with his dog.

Dick was predeceased by his wife, Jane, parents, sisters (Lillian Harper and Shirley Graham), brother (Donald Webster) and granddaughter (Sarah Webster).

He is survived by his children: Jeanne (Steve) Townsend, David (Barbara), Kathy (Dewitt) Benjamin, Lisa, and Paul (Joanne).  He has 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren along with nieces and nephews.

His family would like to thank his aides: Char, Sharon, Shannon, Heather, and Wayne for their many years of compassionate care of both Mom and Dad.  You have been thought of as members of our family for a long time.  Your daily presence, dedication, patience and kindness made this past difficult year a little easier for him to endure. He may not have always shown it but he did appreciate all that you did for him.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Hope (St. James) 4845 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 11 am. Burial will follow at Onondaga Valley Cemetery.  Contributions can be made to Our Lady of Hope Church.

COVID Guidelines of required masks and social distancing will be followed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Webster, please visit Tribute Store
Wednesday
24
February

Funeral Service

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Our Lady of Hope at St. James Church
S. Salina St.
Syracuse, New York, United States
Wednesday
24
February

Burial

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Onondaga Valley Cemetery
2200 Valley Drive
Syracuse, New York, United States
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