The Reverend Joseph Tarpley Webb III, 85, of Williamsburg VA, passed away on January 21, 2024.
Joe was born in Bryn Mawr, PA on December 24, 1938. As a young boy he attended The Episcopal Academy, where his involvement in chapel services led to his later vocation as an Episcopal Priest. Joe later enrolled in Lower Merion High School in Ardmore. While a student there, he was coxswain of their eight-oared crew team, which won the National Championship in 1956.
Joe attended Valdosta State College in Georgia, near his father’s family home, where he met his future wife. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in Sociology; then continued at Virginia Seminary, where he received a Masters of Divinity in 1964. He was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in 1965.
During his career he served a series of parishes: Christ Church in Macon GA, Trinity Church in Towson MD, Church of the Holy Comforter in Lutherville MD, and St. Dunstan’s in McLean VA.
In 1985, Joe started the Assistance Center of Towson Churches with 14 local parishes to help neighbors facing food insecurity, economic difficulties, and related personal and spiritual challenges. The Center expanded and flourished, and is now supported by almost 50 churches.
Joe was a devoted and loving husband, and an exceptional father and grandfather. He was an avid tennis player and voracious reader for most of his life. During his well-earned retirement, he was a proud volunteer at Historic Jamestowne and Williamsburg Faith in Action, and enjoyed golfing, more reading, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Emily. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Toni; 3 children and their spouses/partners: Jennifer Rigot (John), Heather Webb (Jonathan Cohodas), and Kevin Webb (Kelly); 5 grandchildren: Derek Rigot, Marisa Rigot, Maeve Summers, Fae Summers, and Lucy Webb; and 2 brothers: Paul and Vernon.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held this Spring at a date yet to be determined. His ashes will be buried at Bruton Parish Church.
