PCPA is saddened to announce the passing of Director Emeritus Raymond R. Webb, Jr.
Ray died peacefully at his Tennessee home March 29. Described as a leader, visionary, creative force, mentor, educator, catalyst, and friend, Ray’s legacy lies in the continuing work of hundreds of professionals in behavioral health and mental retardation whose lives he touched over many decades.
Ray joined PCPA
as executive director in 1989 after previously serving as the board president
in 1986. His promotion
of the "provider voice" as central to policy making decisions in
the state – the voice of those committed to serving people with mental
retardation and behavioral health needs – transformed working relationships
and continues to affect the development of services in the field. He retired
in 1999 determined to explore as many great fishing spots as he could find.
PCPA extends its deepest sympathy to Ray’s wife Eleanor (Albe), his children Susan, Beth, and Ray, and the entire extended family. Information about services and memorials will be shared as it becomes available.
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Obituaries
Raymond
R. Webb Jr./Outstanding social worker in MH/MR
January 4, 1938 - March 29, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
By Jim McKinnon, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Raymond R. Webb Jr. left a lasting impression wherever he was, which usually was at work reshaping damaged and broken lives all across Pennsylvania. "He was consumed with trying to help people who couldn't help themselves," said David Gallaher, the first accounts manager to work for the Allegheny East Mental Health-Mental Retardation Services Inc. "It carried through in his business life and his personal life," said Mr. Gallaher.
Mr. Webb, formerly of Washington, Pa., was the first executive director of the agency. He died of lung cancer March 29 at his home in Fairfield Glade, Tenn., where he retired in 2004. He was 68.
In 1969, Mr. Webb took the helm at Allegheny East and he led the organization for 20 years. He was the agency's first employee, growing it into a staff of 250 with a multimillion-dollar budget. "He was very much a workaholic. He taught me work ethic," said his daughter, Sue Webb-Dodaro, of Greenwich, Conn. "He was very much married to his profession. He was passionate and committed to what he was doing."
Mr. Webb in 1980 was named by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers as social worker of the year. A graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, Mr. Webb earned a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. The university's School of Social Work also recognized him in 1980 as a distinguished alumnus.
In addition to his daughter, Mr. Webb's survivors include his wife of 47 years, Eleanor "Albe" Webb, originally of Scenery Hill, Washington County; a son, Raymond R. Webb III, of Pittsburgh; another daughter, Elizabeth Webb Borza, of Pittsburgh; nine grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Michael L. Webb, of Washington, Pa.; and his father, Raymond R. Webb Jr., of Washington, Pa.
The family has invited friends to attend a memorial service for Mr. Webb at 11 a.m. April 29 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Scenery Hill, with the Rev. Jean Staffa officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Webb's name to Fairfield Glade Hospice Auxiliary, P.O. Box 1922, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558.