Ralph Brown Webster

Ralph Brown Webster peacefully passed away July 24, 2019 at home. Born to Barbara B. and Robert C. Webster on February 5, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio, Ralph was a 1967 graduate of Hawken School, and a 1971 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. After completing his education, Ralph returned to Cleveland where he began a career in banking at Lake County National Bank (Bank One). Prior to retiring, he also worked at First Merit Bank. Ralph served on the Board of Trustees for both the Lake County YMCA (10 years) and the Lake Hospital Foundation (20 years), and was a Vice President of the Friday the 13th Club. He was a member and past President of the Tavern Club, a former member of the Kirtland Country Club, and an award winning member of WABOA. He was also a history buff who had visited more Civil War battlefields than most know exist. Ralph enjoyed few things more than singing, and for five decades he served as the frontman of Fat City, the rock and roll band he co-founded with his friends and brothers in 1966. The group, which Ralph once dubbed “The World’s Oldest Garage Band,” has played all over Cleveland, becoming a cultural touchstone for all those who count themselves as friends, fans and groupies. Ralph was a great admirer of Elvis Presley, and he was known on occasion to don an all-white suit that would make the King himself blush. Most of all, Ralph cherished time spent with loved ones, whether it was around a campfire near the Chagrin River, on the golf course, or just in the living room at home. He owned a quick smile, a warm laugh, and a rich voice, and he was a gifted storyteller. Christmas Eve was never complete without his rowdy rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas or his inimitable reading of The Polar Express. Ralph never met a stranger and enriched the lives of all who knew him. He will be missed immeasurably. Ralph was the adoring husband of Paula (Gehring) Webster for 44 years, the beloved father of Laura W. (Nick) Stockhaus and Matthew C. (Susan Thompson) Webster, and the greatest “Pop” to June and Lucy Stockhaus. He was the brother of John (Kristi) Webster, Harvey (Doris) Webster and Graham (Jeri) Webster, and Uncle Ralph to numerous nieces, nephews, and God children. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Richard and Barbara Gehring, and brother Robert C. (Cynthia) Webster, Jr. The family will receive friends at a Memorial Service at 2:00pm on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at St. Hubert's Episcopal Church, 8870 Baldwin Road Kirtland Hills, Ohio 44060. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Boxing Class Department of Aging, 470 Center Street Chardon, OH 44024 or Hospice of Cleveland Clinic, 6801 Brecksville Road Independence , OH 44131. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Ralph Brown Webster

February 5, 1949 - July 24, 2019