Robert E. Watson

Robert Everett Watson

Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, November 12, 1939

Survived by his dear wife of 49 years Sonja Watson, daughters; Robin and David Macken, April and John Smitheman, and son James and Maria Watson

Born in a large family he was the youngest of 13 born to John and Julia.

He was a member of the "notorious" Puddle Dock crew of Portsmouth, N.H.

His athletic career began while in school where he made the All-State track team. He excelled in basketball and baseball in High School and played Minor League baseball for the Boston Red Sox.

In 1958, Bob entered the army forces and continued his love for athletics where he played basketball and baseball for the U.S. army until 1962.

While stationed in Berlin Germany Bob met his future wife Sonja Ostenson of Woodbury N.J.

After leaving the army they resided in Sonja's hometown of Woodbury N.J.

He continued his love for sports in joining a fast pitch hardball league and becoming a member of the Ivy Inn team in Deptford.

After leaving Woodbury they moved to Pitman where he enjoyed coaching little league and babe Ruth baseball for 14 years.

He loved taking many vacations with close friends to Rangeley, Maine and the Jersey Shore.

Bob worked for Texaco and the Coastal Eagle Point Plant in West Deptford for 25 years until his retirement. It was there that he began his involvement with the United Way of Gloucester County and eventually became the plants Campaign Chairman.

Retired at 55, he moved to Millsboro, Delaware where he and his wife enjoyed fishing and crabbing on their boat "the Penguin" for the last 14 years. It was there where they made many friends and where Bob met daily with the "men's coffee club" at the neighborhood store.

Bob was well known for his Love of people and willingly served them whenever possible. With an outgoing personality, he was well liked by everyone who met him. He was passionate about life and enjoyed making people laugh. His greatest love was his wife.

He was an active member of the American Legion post 28 in Millsboro DE.

Bob always looked forward to spending time with his seven grandchildren and was the beloved Pop-pop of Sarah, Katie, and Ashley Macken, Jared and Grace Watson, Tiffany and John Jr. Smitheman and one great grandson Jayden Watson.

Visitation Friday 9am until the service at 11:30am at the DAVIS & WAGNER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 171 Delaware St. Woodbury, NJ. Interment with Military Honors at Eglington. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society PO Box 7 E. Syracuse, NY 13057. Memories & condolences shared at daviswagner.com

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