Mr. Joseph W. Watson, Jr., a lifelong resident of Andover, passed away at the Lawrence General Hospital on Thursday, May 26, 2016. He was 86 years old.
Born in Ballardvale on September 27, 1929, he was the beloved son of the late Ethel Bowyer and the late Joseph W. Watson, Sr., and the brother of Sidney J. Watson, late of Brunswick, Maine.
Joe was a graduate of Punchard High School, class of 1947. He was captain of his high school football team and enjoyed all kinds of sports but especially playing golf and watching hockey. He was privileged to see the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 1970. He founded J. W. Watson Jr., Inc. working hard all his life both on the job and at his farm on Dascomb Rd. Above all, Joe was a very devoted father and grandfather and he will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.
He was the loving father of Joyce Watson of South Portland, Maine, Joseph R. “Buddy” and his wife Jane Watson of Andover, James M. and his wife Susan M. Watson of Salem, NH and Julie J. Watson and her partner Mike Reilly, both of Andover. He was married to Diane N. Watson of Newburyport, MA, step-father of David Knipe of Salem, NH and Kyle and Wayne Knipe, both of Seabrook, NH, grandfather of William J. Guild, Kristen K. Watson, J. Ryan Watson, Sean J. Watson and Emily E. Watson.
During his 86 years, Joe was a big part of Andover, volunteering as a call fireman, becoming a major supporter of Youth Hockey, and serving on many committees in town.
During the last year, he was a resident of Atria Marland Place in Andover and the family is grateful for the care and compassion shown to him during that time. The family is also appreciative of all the support given to him by the fire department, nurses and doctors of Lawrence General Hospital and Prescott Nursing Home.
His funeral service will be celebrated in the Christ Church, 33 Central Street, Andover on Friday, June 3, 2016, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Thursday, June 2, 2016, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be held in the Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. Donations in Joe's memory may be made to Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.