Dr. Edgar E. Webber

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Cornell University Harvard University University of Massachusetts Keuka College

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Edgar Webber Obituary

PENN YAN– 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, N.Y. 14456. Messages of sympathy can also be sent directly to Jeff's family at 2755 Ayers Road Ext., Penn Yan, N.Y.

To leave the family an online message of condolence, or to light a "Candle of Remembrance", please visit www.townsendwoodzinger.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Finger Lakes Times on May 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Edgar Webber

Sponsored by Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home.

5 Entries

Kimberly (Johnson) Young. Keuka Class of 1990.

July 7, 2025

I am sad to hear of Dr. Webber´s passing. Although I was an Education major, his Botany and Biology classes were my favorite. He inspired me to blend the two. My students benefited from the spark he nurtured by having a teacher who was also a South Carolina Master Naturalist. I still have the book he wrote about Keuka College as one of my treasures-right next to my field guides I still use daily. The ponytail palm he gave me from a trip to the Everglades and the memories of one of the finest educators I have ever had the blessing of being taught by will live on with me. Sending love and prayers. I will never forget the positive impact he made on my life.

Darcy Herron class of `98

May 22, 2024

Dr. Weber was my pre- OT advisor at Keuka ( class of `98) . I still have hand written notes of congratulations and encouragement from him. He had such a gentle, kind, supportive and down-to-earth manner. Keuka was lucky to have him. My deepest condolences to his family. Thank you Dr. Weber !

Lisa Johnson, Class of 1983

May 22, 2024

Dr. Webber was an amazing person and professor. He made a point of speaking to me, before I took botany, since he heard I was from Massachusetts. We had many conversations about the region. He was always eager to answer any botanical questions I had. I've thought of him often over the years and was just speaking of him last month when I was on campus. My condolences to his family.

Robin McDevitt Morgenthaler Class of `79

May 22, 2024

I do not take any of his courses at Keuka College but he knew who I was. He was loved by all. Dr.Webber kindly took my Senior photos. (in the woods) We both were surprised when a local dog showed up and was included in the pictures. He knew his name too.
He was a gentle, kind and respected professor. I am glad he crossed my path. May he rest in peace.

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Laurie Adams, KC Class of `83, current alumni relations

May 22, 2024

I thought the camera was just part of his attire. (Meant respectfully.) I´ll miss seeing him EVERYWHERE. What a life he had, and Keuka College was lucky to have him on staff.

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