(12/16/12) A. Russell Webster, Jr., 89, of Rumford died Friday, December 14, 2012 at Miriam Hospital Providence, RI, surrounded by his family. He was the son of Alice L. Sweeney Webster and Archie Russell Webster, great-grandson of Annie Russell and Archibald Webster of Paisley, Scotland. Russell is survived by his wife, Arlene (Hornby) Webster. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on December 16th.
Russell graduated from Classical High School and Brown University.
He served as a Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corp during World War II as a B24 bomber pilot. He saw from the air the first mushroom cloud over Japan yet had no idea what it was. His crew was told by radio to return to base and they later discovered it had meant the war\'s end was near.
Russell was a highly-respected professional engineer. He was recognized for his civil engineering expertise and was a consultant for many construction projects throughout New England and the world including Logan Airport and the Newport Bridge. He was also known for his great sense of humor and his kindness.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Joan Webster Nippo and husband Murn of Wakefield, his daughter-in-law, Deborah Webster Grochmal and husband Jim of Newmarket, New Hampshire, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was the father of the late Robert Russell Webster.
His committal service will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 10:00 am in the Chapel of the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the Administration Building at 9:45 am.
Arrangements have been entrusted to THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME.
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