John Watson Jr., lifelong resident of Reading MA, died Saturday August 27, 2011 at Sawtell Hospice House in Reading MA, after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved, loving partner of Evelyn Marra of Reading Ma and longtime friend of Reggie and Cindi Bolivar also of Reading.
He was the son of the late John and Christina McLaren Watson of Reading, and brother of the late Barbara Watson LaFave of Wildwood FL. He was the uncle of Paul LaFave Jr and his wife Janet of Billerica, Glen LaFave, Sandra Pitzer and Nancy Rogers and her husband Steve, all of Wildwood Fl.
John was a graduate of Reading High School, where he was a hurdle jumper for the track team. After graduation, he worked for the Town of Reading and then moved on to become a co-owner of Rea Associates in Billerica MA where he was involved in the process of making Wave Guide for Government use. A highlight of his career was traveling to Hawaii to install and work on a training submarine docked there.
His love of cars became his lifelong hobby. He was a member of the Orientals Car Club of Reading MA, and was recently awarded a lifetime achievement plaque by the club. He was also a founding member of the Mass Street Rod Association. John was also known for his purple Fiat race car and took many awards and trophy’s at Sanford Race Track in Sanford ME, and New England Dragway in Epping NH in the 60’s.
When John wasn’t working on cars, he could be found camping in his RV or on his boat fishing in the Merrimac River.
John spent many holidays with the Bolivar’s as an important part of the family until he met the love of his life, Evelyn and her family, including little Sophia who called him “Gandpa”. John will be greatly missed by all.
A Funeral Service celebrating John's Eternal Life will be held on Wednesday at 11am in the Chapel of the Doherty - Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. READING. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the Family on Tuesday from 4-8pm in the Funeral Home. Interment Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
Please honor John by making donations in his memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168.