Obituary of Richard G. Webber

Richard Webber died peacefully on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. He was 92 years old.

He leaves behind his cherished wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (“Mrs. Hon”), his son Scott Webber and daughter-in-law Diane, his daughter Suzanne Pruett and son-in-law Gene, and his son, Thomas Webber and daughter-in-law Tammy. He was “Grandpop” to eleven and to three spouses: Mylon, Erin, Ian, Jessica, Moriah, Allie, Billy, Micah, Kelly, Micaiah, Naomi, Danny, Emily, and Jacob. Six great-grandchildren—Charlie, Theo, Nora, Annali, Londyn, and Andre—called him Dziadek. Richard was a favorite to numerous nieces and nephews and to his brothers- and sisters-in-law. Each of them was known and loved by him as an individual, and they have the newspaper clippings, funny pictures, phone calls, and affectionate jokes from him as evidence.

Richard was born to Ethel (Scheffey) and George Hawes Webber in Pottstown, PA on December 30, 1931, and grew to adulthood in Conshohocken. Despite a premature birth, he enjoyed remarkably robust health until the last year of his life. Even into his mid-70s, he climbed the occasional tree or did somersaults on the lawn to the delight of his grandchildren. Richard worked as a magician early in life, was a lifelong prankster, and is rightly described by his great-grandchildren as “so, so silly.”

As a young man, Richard served in the Army Security Agency and was stationed on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in education.

Richard married Betsie Milon in 1956 and they raised their three children—Scott, Suzanne, and Thomas— in Lafayette Hill, moving there from Conshohocken. In the 1960s, he served on the newly formed Colonial School District board and later on the board of the area’s vocational school.

For thirty years, Richard worked in wage and salary administration at what is now called Unisys. On retiring in 1990, Richard returned to his favorite occupation—music. He played the tuba, and for several decades performed in musical ensembles, including Verdi Band of Norristown, of which he was treasurer, and Old Comrades. His beautiful tenor voice was part of the choir at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette Hill until he and Betsie moved to Normandy Farm Estates, Blue Bell, in 2018. Afterward, he led singing for religious services at Normandy, as a service to folks in Willowbrook, and at the former St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in North Wales. Upon retiring, he also drove a school bus for children who needed a little more support than others, and he called it his most important job.

Richard’s family and close friends could rely on his wry wit, generosity, and high ethical standards. They’ll miss his blunt observations, his precise vocabulary, his fascination with driving directions, and his fierce protection of Betsie. They know they were lucky to have him in their lives. And they’ll be sure to never, ever get their bathing suits wet.

Richard’s parents and his brothers, George and Brooke Webber, and their respective wives, Jane and Dottie, his sister-in-law Julie Milon, and his brother-in-law Jack Milon preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at Normandy Farm Estates in Blue Bell on Thursday, January 11th at 11:00 AM. Visitation begins at 10:15 AM.

Donations can be made in his memory to the Acts Legacy Foundation, care of Normandy Farms Estates, 9000 Twin Silo Drive, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 300 Fayette St., Conshohocken, PA 19428, (610) 828-0330 www.msrfh.com