Russell E. Webster, 83, a native and lifelong resident of Haverhill, died Sunday night, Nov. 1, at Methuen Health and Rehabilitation.
Son of the late Benjamin and Madeline (Ames) Webster, he attended Haverhill Public Schools and the former Haverhill Trade School. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was first employed in the local shoe industry. At the time of his retirement, Webster had worked for many years at Western Electric Co. AT& T Technologies and Lucent Technologies.
An avid and accomplished candlepin bowler, Webster developed his interest while working as a pin setter in his youth at the former City Lanes in Downtown Haverhill. He was a certified candlepin bowling instructor, a member of the Sunday Professional League and played in, and won, several tournaments on the local and regional levels. In his later years, he worked at Pilgrim Lanes in Haverhill. He was an avid sports fan and youth softball coach and an avid daily walker until recently and also enjoyed collecting antique items.
He leaves his wife of 60 years, Theresa M. (Mazza) Webster; a son and daughter-in-law, Mel Webster and Kathleen Sullivan of North Reading; two daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and Brian Paradis of Brookline, N.H. and Laurie and Don Williams of North Andover; five grandchildren, Erik Paradis, Lindsey Guild, Taylor Paradis, Elisabeth Webster and Thomas Webster; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Frederick Howard, Norman Webster, Robert Webster, Melvin Webster and Gerald Webster and sisters, Dorothea Carpenter, and Palma Girroir.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Webster’s life celebration Wed., Nov. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill. His funeral service will follow at 7:15 p.m. and conclude with the rendering of Military Honors by the U.S. Army. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to The American Lung Association, 55 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, Ill 60601.