A. Russell Webster Jr., 89

A. Russell Webster, Jr., of Rumford in East Providence, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at Miriam Hospital, Providence, surrounded by his family. He was 89.

His is survived by his wife, Arlene (Hornby) Webster. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on Dec. 16.

He was the son of Alice L. Sweeney Webster and Archie Russell Webster, and the great-grandson of Annie Russell and Archibald Webster of Paisley, Scotland.

He graduated from Classical High School and Brown University. He served as a Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps 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 the war's end was near.

Webster 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 in Boston 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 her husband, Murn of Wakefield; his daughter-in-law, Deborah Webster Grochmal and husband, Jim, of Newmarket, NH, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was the brother of Alicia L. McCabe of Warwick, RI. He was the father of the late Robert Russell Webster.

His committal service will be held Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 at 10 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 handled by the Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home in Warwick.