Donald Webb

                                                       Donald “Don” B. Webb

                                              March 17, 1945 – June 29, 2024

PAXTON - Donald “Don” B. Webb age 79, of Paxton, formerly of Arlington, MA., passed away at the Rose Monahan Hospice Center in Worcester on Saturday, June 29th. Beloved husband of Margaret “Peggy Jo” (Smiddy) Webb. Devoted father of Jennifer Flynn and her husband Brandon of Holden, MA. Cherished Grandfather “Banta” of Aubrey M., Claire A., and Grace M. Flynn. Dear brother of Catherine H. Baccari and her husband Louis of Riviera Beach, FL. Also survived by his sister-in law Mary Webb as well as many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was sadly predeceased by his brother Daniel I. Webb Jr., his wife Phyllis, and his brother Ken Webb. 

Don was born in Everett, MA. He moved to Arlington, MA as a child and grew up in his family home situated on the Lower Mystic Lake. There he was afforded the opportunities to swim, boat and ice-skate in the winter which prepared him for playing hockey at Arlington High School. Don met the love of his life Peggy Jo in 1972 and they married in 1975 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Boston. He and Peggy Jo resided in Arlington for many years where they happily raised their daughter, Jennifer. Don’s parents and siblings enjoyed a cozy summer house on the lake property. This was the focal point where many family gatherings occurred-his mom’s 90th birthday party, baby and wedding showers, church picnics, girl scout sleepovers and tons of cookouts. Don always loved the summer house and relished the many family and friend happenings. This was one of his happy places. 

After high school, Don enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. He later graduated from Randolph Macon College in Virginia and worked a few years in banking. He successfully owned and operated a moving company while his mother and wife helped with the administrative portion. He later attended Tufts University and obtained a Master’s of Education, and subsequently taught mathematics at Arlington High School. Don later took computer courses at Boston University and worked in retail, publishing, and finance.

He was an active member of St. John’s Church on Pleasant Street. He served as Junior Warden, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and was a Sunday greeter. 

One of Don’s favorite activities was boating. Growing up his parents owned a boat, and he spent many summers in Gloucester. He was a member of Winter Hill Yacht Club. The name of his boat was the “jenny”, named after his daughter. As the Captain, he traveled with family and friends to Plymouth, Scituate, World’s End Hingham, Cohasset, Wellfleet, with his favorite being Cape Ann Marina in Gloucester. In addition to boating, he also enjoyed camping with best friends on Marthas Vineyard and in the western part of MA. Don routinely walked five miles a day until his stroke in 2011.

Don was a devoted father to his only child Jennifer. She brought him lots of joy and made him proud with her academics and dancing. He was her biggest fan as she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a pediatric nurse and nursing instructor. In 2016 Jennifer married her husband, Brandon Flynn. 

In 2017, Don’s first granddaughter, Aubrey Margaret, was born. As much as he loved being a Dad, he relished his new title as “Banta”. Of all the hats Don wore, being called “Banta” was his favorite. He smiled when she smiled, he laughed when she laughed. In 2019 Claire Anne arrived. She doubled Don’s excitement in life. Then in 2021, Grace Millie arrived. She was the icing on the triple layered granddaughter cake.

Although Don was sad to leave Arlington, he said moving to Paxton was the best decision, being closer to all of his girls.

A Remembrance Mass will be held on Saturday, July 13th, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 74 Pleasant St., Arlington at 11:00 a.m. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln St., Worcester.