The statement from Archant Suffolk says: “Brian Webber (pictured), known to his friends as Bryn or Brynnie, is retiring from the Evening Star and sister paper, the East Anglian Daily Times, after 48 years of magnificent service to both titles.
After nearly five decades, Bryn has worked under numerous editors, including Crawford Gillan, Terry Hunt and Nigel Pickover.
He started at the company on August 13, 1961 as an apprentice, a position he undertook for six years.
He went on to take up a range of positions within the company, including working as a "stone hand" and creating the pages for both newspapers.
He said: "I've had various jobs at the Star and the Anglian, from when the papers were based in Carr Street to the current site.
"I worked as an apprentice for six years and then moved on to becoming a stone hand, which is what the people used to be called when all the pages were made manually."
Having been born close to Archant Suffolk's current Lower Brook Street offices, the 63-year-old said he had enjoyed working within the centre of Ipswich.
"I was born at the nursing home in Wingfield Street, so I haven't moved far away," he added.
Bryn admitted he would miss his colleagues' company, as he recalled the fun times spent in the company's old social club.
He said: "I'll miss the company, but I think out of everything I will miss the banter between the staff the most.
"I think my most popular times were in the 70s and 80s, when we had the old social club open on site. Some good times were definitely had there.
"Things were completely different when I started here in the 60s to what they are like now."
He said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family and friends.
The much-loved member of staff added: "I'm going to relax and take things easy and just enjoy the summer months. I'm going to spend a lot more time with my family, especially my grandchildren. I'm really looking forward to that."
Staff at Archant Suffolk honoured Bryn with a presentation. "Brynnie has been one of our company's great assets over almost half a century and we will miss him greatly," said Star editor Nigel Pickover.
"He goes into a well-deserved retirement with our heartfelt thanks and a track record that is second-to none."
Head of news Russell Cook described Bryn as a "legend of our time".
Fellow colleagues said they would remember Bryn for his generosity and kindness."
Events of 1961
January: John F Kennedy was sworn in as US president.
January: A chimpanzee called Ham ventures to space and returns safely.
April: Exiles invade Cuba at Bay of Pigs.
May: Cuba's prime minister, Fidel Castro, proclaimed the country as socialist nation and abolished elections.
October: The world condemns Russia's nuclear testing.
