In Memoriam: FASNY Director Rich Webster (1946 – 2013)

Firemen’s Association of the State of New York Director Rich Webster of Solvay died March 12 at the age of 66.

A member of FASNY since 1969, Rich became an active member of the FASNY Legislative Committee in 2009 and was appointed the board of directors this past August. He was a 44-year member of FASNY.

Rich joined the Solvay Fire Department in 1966 and continued to move through the ranks, serving as deputy chief from 1983 – 1987 and chief from 1987 – 1989. He was currently serving as treasurer, a position he held for quite some time.

He held several leadership roles in the Onondaga County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, having sat on the board of directors since 1998 and acting as president from 2008 – 2010.  He also served on committees including the Fundraising Committee, Awards Committee and was active as an organizer of the Annual Legislative Breakfast and Convention.

Rich served as president of the Mountain Top Hose Co., where he chaired committees including the annual Sock Hop Committee and was president of the Social Club. He was a former chair of the Western Section Line Officers’ Association. He was a director of the Central New York Firemen’s Association and the Northern Central Volunteer Firemen’s Association, served as chair of the Onondaga County Coalition of Fire Services, and represented the county’s Fire Chiefs Association as a director.

Locally, Rich was a former trustee of the village of Solvay, where he also supported several booster organizations. He retired in 2010 from his role as an account clerk with OCMBOCES. Prior to that, he worked in shipping/receiving at Nixon Gear from 1994 – 2001 after retiring from Allied Chemical, where he spent 18 years as a security and safety sergeant. Rich graduated from Solvay High School in 1964.

Rich is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn; their son, Eric (Deborah) Feldstein; and his two grandchildren, Rachel and Sam.

Visitations will be held at the B. L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home located on 10 Genesee St., Camillus, N.Y. 13031 on Thursday, March 14, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and the family would like all fire service organizations to pay their respects at 7:30 p.m. The funeral will be Friday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 123, Solvay, N.Y. 13209.