BLACK RIVER, N.Y. — Richard J. "Dick" Vebber, 99, of 649 Lake Cove Pointe Circle, Winter Garden, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at Vitas Innovative Hospice Care Center in Winter Garden, Fla., after being stricken with a heart attack on Dec. 25. Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River. Mr. Vebber was cremated. A funeral mass will be held at the family's convenience in the spring in Black River. Born Sept. 18, 1914, in Carthage, a son of Raymond Vebber and Ethel Hayes, he graduated in 1932 as class president and valedictorian from Black River High School. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1940 with a bachelor's of science degree in civil engineering. He married Dorothy Schallack on July 29, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mr. Vebber resided in Black River until 2012 when he moved to Florida with his son and daughter-in-law, Karl J. and Sarala R. Vebber. Mr. Vebber joined Stebbins Engineering Co. in Watertown in 1945 and retired in 1977 as vice president of engineering after 32 years of service. Among his survivors are a daughter-in-law, Sarala R. Vebber, Winter Garden, Fla.; two granddaughters and their husbands, Kristen V. and Ashley R. Rumble, Windermere, Fla., Amy V. and Rich L. Pierce III, Torrington, Conn.; four great-granddaughters, Madeline, Ella, Lily Rumble and Samantha Pierce; a niece, Sister Kathleen Clark, St. Augustine, Fla.; and two nephews, Raymond N. Vebber, Greensboro, N.C., Richard C. Vebber, Black River. Mr. Vebber was predeceased by a brother, Robert C. Vebber in 1988; his wife, Dorothy Vebber in 2008; his daughter, Conni A. Vebber in July 2012; and his son, Karl J. in May 2013. Mr. Vebber was a true patriarch and a constant, steadfast presence in the lives of his family. His knowledge of current events and memory of past events was impeccable and he thoroughly enjoyed discussing them over a dry gin martini. He was a very wise, insightful man who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Donations may be made to the Sarah House 100 Roberts Ave. Ste 10, Syracuse, NY 13207. Condolences may be made at brucefh.com .