Bruce M. Watkins 74, of Franklin, passed away peacefully, Monday May 22, 2023 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, following an illness. He was the beloved husband of Eileen M. (Anderson) Watkins, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.
Born May 1, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri a son of the late Richard W. and Betty F. (Roark) Watkins, and was a resident of Franklin for over 30 years.
He was raised and educated in Webster Groves, Missouri and was a 1967 graduate of Webster Groves High School. He joined the United States Army in 1970. He attained the rank of Specialist and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Occupational Medal and was also an expert with the M16 & grenade. He was honorably discharged in 1973.
Bruce had a long career in software and computer chips, having worked for the former Digital Corporation and later Intel. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, playing golf, traveling throughout Europe on river cruises, watching the Red Soxs and Patriots, and attending Broadway shows in New York with his wife.
Bruce was a proud member and Adjutant of the Franklin Post 75 Edward L. Grant American Legion.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Robert Watkins Morgan and his wife Catherine of South Carolina and Rebecca Ann Landry and her husband Timothy of Norfolk, a sister Cheryl Ann Jurevics and her husband Thorolf of Missouri and his former spouse Linda Morgan of Florida. He was the twin brother of the late Richard L. Watkins.
Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren, Emily Morgan, Charlotte Landry and Amelia Landry.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour Thursday June 8th, in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 11AM-12PM.
A private graveside service with military honors will follow at Union Street Cemetery, Franklin at 12:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Edward L. Grant Post 75, 43 Main St. P.O. Box 42 Franklin, MA 02038.