[Big.G]

By Staff reports
GateHouse News Service
Posted Nov 12, 2008 @ 12:54 PM
Last update Nov 12, 2008 @ 02:19 PM

Police Chief William Webber

SOUTHBOROUGH - Police Chief William Webber died last night of cancer. He was 53 years old.

Webber was named chief in January 2004 and replaced the late William Colleary Jr.

Sgt. Jane Moran has been sergeant in charge during Webber's illness and will continue in that capacity.

"He's going to be very missed. He was a wonderful, progressive chief," Moran said. "It's just not fair.''

Webber joined the Southborough Police Department 28 years ago, working his way through the ranks before becoming chief.

He leaves a wife, Kathleen, and two adult children, Kathleen and Kevin, from a previous marriage.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Morris Funeral Home, Main Street, Southborough.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday morning at St. Mary's Church in Milford.

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x466651845/Police-Chief-William-Webber-dies-at-53

I heard about his condition last night not long before he passed away. Never knew him personally but those that did spoke very highly of him. R.I.P, Sir.

 

[Sarge31]

Rest In Peace Chief. You will be missed.

 

[JMB1977]

Rest in peace Chief.

 

[soxrock75]

I met Chief Webber a few times and came away very impressed. He will be sorely missed.

Rest in Peace Sir.......

 

[justanotherparatrooper]

Way too young! Rest in peace Chief.

 

[robodope]

Very sad..>Rest in peace Chief

 

[RodneyFarva]

Rest in peace Chief.

 

[btoc343]

Rest in peace Chief. Very sad news indeed.

 

[Mass]

RIP Chief Webber

 

[Nighttrain]

Condolences to Chief Webber's family and to the men and women of SPD. From everything I had heard about him it sounded like he was a great boss.

 

[OfficerObie59]

He truly sounds like the type of chief every cop wishes they had. RIP Chief Webber.

 

[kwflatbed]

Massive turnout expected for Webber's funeral

contributed photo
Southborough Police Chief William H. Webber

By Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff
GHS
Posted Nov 14, 2008 @ 12:48 AM

MILFORD -

Expecting a huge crowd of police officers "from all over," the town is taking special steps to prepare for tomorrow's funeral Mass and burial of Southborough Police Chief William H. Webber.
Police will close roads and detour traffic around St. Mary's Church and cemetery, and selectmen have donated use of Upper Town Hall so friends and family can gather after the funeral for a meal.
Webber, 53, who died Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, was raised in Milford and still had strong ties to his hometown.
"I honestly believe that this will be one of the largest funerals that we've seen," said Milford Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin, who will stand in the Honor Guard to respect the friend he called "family."
Public Health Director Paul Mazzuchelli graduated with Webber from the former St. Mary's High School in 1973, and plans to attend the funeral of the man he said "touched a lot of lives," including many in Milford.
Selectmen Chairman Dino DeBartolomeis said his board didn't hesitate to open Upper Town Hall so friends and family can gather in Webber's memory.
"He's a Milford boy, he'll always be a Milford boy, and his family - whatever as a board we could have done to ease the pain for the family - it certainly was a pleasure to have done that," DeBartolomeis said.
Even though Webber moved to Southborough, his heart will still be in town, said his sister Patricia Redgate, who practices law here.
"He always maintained his friendships in Milford," she said.
Webber's parents, Harry and Claire Webber, still live in Milford, and brother Stephen teaches at Stacy Middle School.
"Our sympathy, prayers and love go out to Billy's family," Mazzuchelli said.
O'Loughlin said he coached the "sweetheart of a person" when Webber was appointed Southborough's chief in 2004, and is heartbroken over his death.
"Just a spectacular human being, honest to God," O'Loughlin said. "One of the nicest people I've ever met in my life."
Milford Police and officers from surrounding communities are expected to attend the Mass of Resurrection at St. Mary's Church on Winter Street at 9:30 a.m.
"I think you're going to see police officers from all over," O'Loughlin said.
"It's going to be quite a tribute to him and his family," DeBartolomeis said.
Police issued a traffic advisory, announcing Winter and Granite streets will be closed from 9:15 a.m. until the end of the funeral Mass. If necessary, Sumner Street may be closed from the intersection of Main and Sumner streets to the intersection of Sumner and Lincoln streets. Several detours are planned.
From St. Mary's Church on Winter Street, a committal procession will travel on Sumner Street, right onto Dilla Street, right onto Cedar Street (Rte. 85) and left into the St. Mary's Cemetery.
Police are asking the public to expect delays, find alternate routes, and respect that state law gives funeral processions the right of way.
Following the funeral, O'Loughlin said police officers will gather at the Hoboken Club on Central Street, and family and friends will meet in Upper Town Hall. Auxiliary officers will be on hand to help direct traffic.

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x776445051/Massive-turnout-expected-for-Webbers-funeral

 

[kwflatbed]

Southboro Mourns Beloved Police Chief

SOUTHBORO (WBZ) ― The sight was enough to bring anybody to an emotional pause; dozens of police motorcycles and cruisers, lights flashing, driving in silent procession through Southboro early Saturday.

Watch: Chief Webber's Procession

Within that motorcade was a hearse carrying longtime Police Chief William Webber. Webber died Tuesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 53.

Webber served on the Southboro police force for 28 years, working his way up from patrolman until he was promoted to chief in 2004. By all accounts, he was widely respected throughout town.

"Bill was a highly valued colleague and member of the towns administration," a statement from the Board of Selectmen read. "Bill's death will be a difficult loss for his fellow department heads and town employees, especially those of us who were honored and proud to call him a friend."

Chief Webber left behind a wife and two adult children.

Police Sgt. Jane Moran, who oversaw the department during Chief Webber's illness, will continue in that capacity, according to Town Administrator Jean Kitchen.

http://wbztv.com/local/worcester/southboro.police.chief.2.865429.html