Community Corner

Vigil Tuesday Night for Former Kennedy High Athletic Director Killed in Car Crash

A vigil is scheduled tonight for 6 p.m. at Kennedy High School at 39999 Blacow Road. A celebration of his life is being planned for a future date.

This article was originally published at 5:21 p.m., Tuesday

By Bay City News Service

John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont is holding a vigil tonight (Tuesday) in remembrance of a longtime athletic director, football coach and teacher who was killed in a car crash Saturday morning.

John Webb, 76, of Brentwood was driving on northbound Interstate 680 between Vargas and Sheridan roads around 1 a.m. when he was involved in a minor collision with 2001 Chrysler Town & Country, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Webb was in a 2001 silver Chevrolet Corvette and stepped outside of the vehicle to direct traffic away from the two cars, the CHP said.

While Webb was outside a 2007 Toyota Corolla struck and killed him, according to the CHP.

Webb started coaching for Kennedy High School's freshman football team in 1986 alongside current head coach Dave Damewood.

He also taught various classes including woodshop, geometry and biology in addition to serving as the school's activities director.

Webb retired from coaching in 2010 along with former head football coach Pete Michaletos but continued to teach classes.

He was an alumnus of San Jose State University with a bachelor's degree in art and science of human movement and a master's degree in education, according to Webb's page on the Fremont Unified School District website.

Webb also played for the college's football team as a defensive back and was inducted into the school's hall of fame for his time on the boxing team.

"(John was) one of the most unique people you could ever know," Damewood said.

Damewood said he was with Webb and a few other friends on Friday night and they watched the San Jose State University football game versus the U.S. Navy.

As the two were hanging out during halftime Damewood said Webb was "in his element."

San Jose State lost the game 58-52 in triple overtime.
           
Webb also had an offer from the San Francisco 49ers to coach alongside former coach Bill Walsh in 1979 but he turned it down, Damewood said.

"The main thing about him was never about money or fame, he thought about everyone else first," Damewood said.

"(He) portrayed himself as a tough guy but he loved the kids. Nobody does what he did as long as he did that doesn't love kids and wants to see them succeed," Damewood said.

A vigil is scheduled tonight for 6 p.m. at Kennedy High School at 39999 Blacow Road.

The high school is also planning on holding a celebration of Webb's life sometime before Christmas, Damewood said.
Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here