Webb, Hugh Joseph

Antigonish, NS

June 03, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Joseph Webb, age 86, of Antigonish, NS, on June 3rd, 2025.

Born in Halifax, NS to the late J. Hilus Webb and Mary Somers, Hugh grew up in Antigonish where he sang in the Marian Boy’s Choir and gained an encyclopedic knowledge of the local history. He attended Saint Dunstan’s University High School in Charlottetown, PEI and then St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, leading to a decades-long career at the helm of the Sears & McIntosh Home Hardware store.

Hugh was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and godfather. He travelled great distances to see family and friends, and he also enjoyed getting together at the family cottage. When his children were young, he was happy to drive them to swim meets, dancing competitions, musical performances, and cultural events, where he celebrated their efforts and achievements. In later years, he cherished each of his grandchildren and appreciated all of their news and activities. He was also immeasurably kind to his extended family, sharing gentle wisdom, a keen sense of humour and endless patience. Hugh earned the trust and affection of all who knew him.

Hugh’s early interest in the railway grew into an enduring commitment to the history and the diverse cultures of Eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. His thorough approach to historical research and genealogy resulted in valuable documentation of facts, preservation of rare artifacts, and analyses of key events along with detailed family ancestries. For many years, he was a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees of the Highland Village Museum in Iona, NS and a tireless volunteer and contributor to the Antigonish Heritage Museum. Hugh was also a member of the local Lions Club and Antigonish Highland Society.

Hugh enjoyed sharing his knowledge with young people, whether in his extended family or the larger community, and particularly appreciated the opportunity to volunteer in support of historical projects in schools. With any audience, his ability to weave seemingly dry historical facts into compelling stories was unsurpassed.

Hugh was predeceased by his sister Mildred (Webb) LeBlanc and brother Father Jim Webb, S.J. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Marilyn (MacDonald), brother J. Tom Webb (Marian), daughters Jennifer (Joe Berry) and Kelley (Thomas Sorcinelli), and son Bruce, as well as grandchildren, Abbey Berry, Annika Sorcinelli, Alessandra and Cecily Faria-Webb, and several nieces and nephews.

He appreciated the kind care of professional staff of St. Martha’s as he managed declining health.

A visitation to celebrate and share memories of Hugh’s life will be held on Monday, 9th June in C.L. Curry Funeral Home from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, and the funeral mass will take place at St. Ninian’s Cathedral on Tuesday, 10th June at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation, the St. Ninian Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.