John E. “Dick” Watson, age 82, of Barton Lane, Ledyard, died Wednesday at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.
Dick was born in Providence in 1922 the son of Bruce and Bessie (Harrington) Watson. After receiving his education, he served in the US Army during World War II.
A longtime resident of Ledyard, He was a member of the Ledyard Congregational Church and was an avid golfer.
In earlier years, Dick was employed as an automobile mechanic at the former Butler Chevrolet and Santin Chevrolet Dealerships. He later became a steamfitter/pipefitter for the former Local 305 in New London before retiring in 1986.
He was married to Ethel (Remick) Watson whom he married at the Old Mystic Baptist Church on October 25, 1952.
In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by his sons and their spouses, Dr. Edward & Dr. Linda Kronick Watson of Niantic; Edward Bruce Watson of Deerfield, Beach, Fla; and Richard & Nicole Watson of Marietta, Ga; 4 grandsons, Phillip, Benjamin, Samuel and Gabriel Watson; his nephews and niece and their spouses, Thomas & Prudy Watson, Philip Watson, David Watson, and Kathleen & Bob Pelletier. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gloria Presti and her children, John and Andrea Presti.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Philip and Wallace Watson, and a nephew, Robert Watson.
The family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic, on Monday from 6-8pm. A Graveside Service will be conducted at Elm Grove Cemetery, Rte. 27, Mystic on Tuesday at 10am immediately followed by a Memorial Service at the Ledyard Congregational Church at 11am. the Rev. Mobby Larson, Pastor, will officiate.
Memorial donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Ledyard Congregational Church, PO Box 77, Ledyard CT 06339 or the Ledyard Visiting Nurse Association, Ledyard 06339.