Neil Webster

Heaven gained a fun-loving, big-hearted, spirit-filled angel and man of character today.  He was greeted at Heaven’s gates by his son Neil who opened his arms and saw that familiar spark in his dad’s eye that he so fondly remembered.  Neil Webster (75 years young) a beloved member of the Spring, Texas community, passed away November 5, 2023.  Neil was born on January 12, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Harriet Jenkins Webster and Danforth Webster.  He was one of six siblings.   

Neil attended Bartram High School in Philadelphia, PA. He began his adult life serving in the US Army in Vietnam.  He was a proud veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery but humbly declined as he did not feel he deserved the award because “he lived while others died.” Neil later pursued higher education at Eastern College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business at the age of 40, maintaining a 4.0 average.  

Neil's love story with his wife, Joanne, is one for the ages. Having grown up together, their paths crossed again after Neil's return from the military. He proposed at Joanne's senior prom, and they spent 53 wonderful years together, with Joanne stating that Neil made all her dreams come true. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Neil and April, and in later years their son Neil was lost to leukemia at the age of 28.  They lived in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and traveled to various locations through their careers, ultimately settling in Texas.

Neil had a successful career in business, starting out as a dispatcher at ACME Markets, promoted to logistics management, followed by a flourishing retirement in real estate. He was known for his integrity, hard work, and dedication. He was a role model and mentor to many, always inspiring others to strive for excellence and to be the best they could be.

Neil was a man of extraordinary warmth and kindness; known for his welcoming nature and his ability to make everyone he met feel like a friend. He was a beacon of love and life, always seeking ways to assist others and make their lives easier.  He never met a stranger and was loved by all whom he encountered - young and old!  He never missed an opportunity to celebrate others' successes or to provide support during times of need. His love was boundless, and he expressed it freely, greeting everyone with a warm smile, a kiss on the cheek, and a snug embrace.  

His fun-loving spirit was infectious. Neil had a unique ability to bring laughter and joy to any situation, often joking and playfully teasing to bring smiles to those around him. Affectionately known as "Pappy,” his love for children was evident in every aspect of his life, and he dedicated much of his personal time to nurturing and guiding them.  For fifteen years, he served as a youth sports coach, impacting young lives and celebrating numerous victories. His dedication to youth sports and his love for children touched countless lives. He coached with passion, inspiring many victories, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Neil lived the last 22 years as a proud Texan, not to be confused as a Cowboy’s fan.  Those who knew him knew Neil was a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, his loyalty never wavered.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time on the course with his friends and family. Known as the "Birdie Man,” Neil's love for golf and friendly rivalry to whip his brother Dan brought joy to all. Neil loved his walks, averaging 15,000-20,000 steps daily, conversing with neighbors and making friends along the way.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend he leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Joanne Sheffield Webster, his daughter April Webster Halden, her husband Dewey Halden, and his grandchildren Victoria, Colton, Abigail, and Shari Lynn.  Pappy also embraced Tyler, Taylor, Sophia, Emmy, and Jack as grandchildren and Cheryl Harity as a daughter.  He is also survived by his siblings Dan Webster and wife Barbara, Kathy (Webster) Wengle, Joyce (Webster)  Kasperski and husband Leon, and also loved as a sister, Diane Ewing.  Neil is preceded in death by his parents, his son Neil, his brother, Billy, and his sister Linda (Webster) Petrongolo.  

Neil’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. His memory will continue to inspire and uplift us, reminding us of the power of kindness, love, and laughter. We will forever remember Neil as a man who loved big and lived fully, and his spirit will continue to guide us.  We miss you already, Pappy.

Family & friends are invited to his Visitation on Saturday December 2^nd from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the Donohue Funeral Home 8401 West Chester Pike Upper Darby, PA 19082 followed by his 10:30 AM Memorial Service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of the following organizations in Neil’s name would be appreciated.  Disabled American Veterans https://www.dav.org/ or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society https://www.lls.org/

“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”   --Khalil Gibran.