Longtime Ridgefield Resident, Jonathan (Joe) Watson, has Died

Jonathan (Joe) G. Watson, of Ridgefield CT and Eastham MA, died on August 22, 2022 on his beloved Cape Cod at the age of 80, with his wife Carole, son Gregory, and daughter Sarah by his side. For the past 10 years, Joe battled Multiple Myeloma, a cancer resulting from his Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Joe fought bravely until the end. 

Born in Boston, MA in 1942, Joe grew up in Belmont, MA as an avid sportsman. He played varsity lacrosse at Cornell, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and majored in Economics, graduating in 1963. 

A member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps, Joe voluntarily enlisted, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1963 through 1969, reaching the rank of Captain. He was a combat helicopter pilot from 1965-1966, and a Presidential Helicopter Pilot, Marine Helicopter Squadron One, during the Johnson administration from 1967-1969. During his service Joe was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and 16 Air Medals. 

His post-military career included working for Sikorsky Aircraft, serving as Vice-President at Offshore Logistics, Aviation Manager for the Golden Nugget Casino, Vice President at Executive Jet International, and a consultant at Aviation Consulting Inc. and Forecast International before starting Watson and Associates. 

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carole Watson; his 3 sons, Christian Watson (Terri), Dr. Nathaniel Watson (Phyllis), and Gregory Watson (Eric); 2 daughters, Jessica Woodbury (Lanny), and Sarah Watson; 6 granddaughters, Chelsea Watson, Elise Watson, Malorie Woodbury, Hailey Woodbury, Clare Watson, and Katharine Watson-Kite; 2 grandsons, Benjamin Watson, and Blake Watson; and 1 great-granddaughter Josie Woodbury; three brothers, Alexander Watson, Stephen Watson, and Christopher Watson, and his nieces and nephew. He was predeceased by his parents Alice and Fletcher Watson of Belmont, MA. 

One of his favorite things was watching the sunset on Cape Cod Bay with his children and grandchildren. A lover of the Boston Red Sox, music (especially the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley), the Muppets, and a good party, Joe left a mark on many in his community, in particular the Marine Veterans of Fairfield County Ridgefield CT, where he was past Commandant. 

Services will be held on October 8th, 2022, 11:a.m at Jesse Lee Memorial Methodist Church, Ridgefield CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MA Audubon. Please indicate that you want the donation to benefit the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonfunerals.com.