John Archibald Webster Jr., 79, of Concord, South Dartmouth and Vero Beach passed away peacefully on Friday April 17 at home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Ann (Hersey) Webster for 56 years. Born in Boston, he was the eldest son of the late Jack and Mildred Webster. He was raised in Wakefield, attended Wakefield High School and graduated from Boston University in 1957. He was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity while at BU. He also spent much of his summers in Woolwich, ME at his family's vacation home. After a brief stint in the insurance business, Mr. Webster joined his father's company, J.A. Webster, in 1958 as a sales representative. The company was a distributor of veterinary products in New England. For the next ten years, he sold the company's products to veterinarians throughout the New England region. In 1968, he became Vice President of Sales and held that position until he was appointed President in 1978. During the next 10 years, he grew the company from a New England regional company to a flourishing company in the Eastern United States with offices in Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama and Texas. Mr. Webster was joined by his three sons in business during the 1980's and 1990's, during which time the company continued to grow, becoming one of the largest and most successful in the industry. In 2001, J.A. Webster was purchased by Patterson Dental Supply, a leading distributor in the dental industry. In addition to J.A. Webster, he was a Board member of Bioceutic Laboratories and a founding member of Med-Tech. He was one of the founders of Phoenix Scientific, a generic drug manufacturer ultimately sold to Leonard Green and Partners. He also helped found the American Veterinary Distributors Association (AVDA), serving as President. He received a lifetime achievement award from the AVDA in 2009. He was a generous contributor to both Children's Hospital of Boston and Mass General Hospital, resulting in two endowed chairs. Along with his wife, Ann, he established the Montsweag Foundation, which has generously contributed to many causes important to them, including The Home for Little Wanderers, the Orchard House, the New England Veterinary Medical Association (NEVMA) and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Nashawtuc Country Club and the Country Club of New Bedford, in addition to the Bay Club of Mattapoisett, and the John's Island Club. He also enjoyed boating and was an active member of the New Bedford Yacht Club. John was an avid traveler and visited many continents throughout the world with his wife and family. But his greatest pleasure was being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. In addition to Ann, he was a devoted father of John A. Webster, III and his late wife Geralyn of Boxborough, Jeffrey H. Webster and his wife Marion of North Palm Beach, FL, and Scott A. Webster and his wife Catherine of Concord. Loving grandfather of John IV, Kelsey, Matthew, Cameron, Sumner, Christopher, Hale, Tori, Drew, and Grace. Dear brother of Janet Thompson of NYC and Peter B. Webster of Portland, ME. Brother-in-law of Julie Chapman of Scituate, Patti Mijares of Huntington Beach, CA, and the late Sumner Hersey. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral service Thursday, April 23rd at 12 noon in Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord. Interment Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord. Visiting hours Wednesday, April 22nd from 5 to 8 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, CONCORD CENTER. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers, 10 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135 (www.thehome.org) or to the charity of one's choice.