Obituary of Dr. Edgar E. Webber

The family of Dr. Edgar E. Webber is sad to announce his passing on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, due to complications related to kidney failure.

Dr. Webber was born on September 11, 1932 in Worcester, Massachusetts to Herman E. and Elizabeth (Rice) Webber. His interest in plant science was initiated by his high school biology teacher. College followed, and in 1955 Webber received his B.S. from the University of Massachusetts. Further formal education in graduate schools resulted in his earning an M.S. in Botany from Cornell University, and his Ph.D. in Marine Botany from the University of Massachusetts in 1968.

Military service was interspersed during this time period. Webber became a hospital corpsman at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda, M.D. Previously, he was a member of the Active Reserve U.S. Air Force.

His scientific research resulted in 30 papers published both in national and international marine botanical journals. And, he co-authored a "Field Guide to Marine Algae North of Cape Cod." This work was published by Harvard University.

At Keuka College, Dr. Webber offered four courses in botany. Additionally, he directed five Independent Studies in botany for biology majors.

He was an avid photographer of the natural world. Also, he photographed for the NFL and LPGA.

In 2013, he was predeceased by his wife Judith. They were married on June 14, 1958.

Dr. Webber is survived by two grown children and their families, Jeffrey (Tina) Webber, and Laura (Steven) Nelson of Fairport. His outstanding grandchildren, in chronological order, are Brayden, Camryn, and Addyson Webber, and Carmen Nelson.

Ed was a respectable, hard-working, loyal man who enjoyed good humor. He will be missed by his family and community. His family, however, is comforted in knowing that he had a wonderful, long, and happy life and a peaceful, private, and comfortable last few days before joining his loving wife and parents and parents-in-law in eternal paradise.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to support Ontario-Yates Hospice, the wonderful organization that supported both him and his loved ones in his final days. Their address is 756 Pre Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456. Messages of sympathy can also be sent directly to Jeff's family at 2755 Ayers Road Ext., Penn Yan, NY.