Obituary: The Honorable Thomas L. Watson Sr.

From the George M. Holt Funeral Home

The Honorable Thomas L. Watson Sr., passed from this life to the next, at peace, on October 30, 2019, preceded in death by the love of his life, his girlfriend of 57 years, wife of 44 years, Gloria (“Glo”) Harris Watson.

Loving Father to Shelley Roxanne (Jeff) and Thomas L. Watson Jr. (Sandra). Adored Papa to five grandchildren – Evan, Taylor, Myles, Joel and Renae. He is survived by two sisters, Doretha Mollett and Mary Hemmings; and preceded in death by siblings - Della Boyd, sister; Cora Watson, sister; Odell Scott, sister; Arthur Reid, brother; Emmitt Reid, brother.

Thomas L. Watson Sr. was born On October 14, 1937 in Suffolk, Virginia to parents, Matilda Powell Watson (deceased) and Terence Watson (deceased). At the tender age of 6, the family moved to Rockland County and settled in the Village of Haverstraw where Thomas was loving raised by his Uncle and Aunt, Wilson Powell and Elizabeth Powell (both deceased). There he was educated in the Haverstraw School System.

Upon graduation from Haverstraw High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served for four years and attained the rank of Airman First Class. After discharge he attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business majoring in Accounting. In 1962, Mr. Watson started his own Tax Consulting and Office Management Consulting Practice, “Assistance Unlimited”. While operating his own business, he maintained full-time employment, first managing a major retail operation and then Business Officer and Administrator for several Agencies in Rockland County, including The Rockland County Fire Training Center.

As a concerned citizen, and a great example of “service above self”, Tom has been extremely active in his community. He was a member of a large variety of volunteer organizations, having served as an officer, board member, chairman or committee member. Although his affiliations are too numerous to mention, they include: Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association; Rockland County Human Rights Commission; Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; Haverstraw Ambulance Corp.; Rockland County Grand Jurors Association; Selective Service Board; Haverstraw Planning Board; New York State Rent Guidelines Board; Rockland County American Red Cross; Haverstraw Brick Museum; Haverstraw Chamber of Commerce; Rockland Negro Scholarship Fund; and NAACP. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jawonio, Inc., Past President of the North Rockland Rotary Club, together with his wife Glo, was one of the co-founders of the Arts Alliance of Haverstraw, and was Chairman of the Youth Advisory Board of the Village of Haverstraw. And that’s the short list.

Tom enjoyed so many notable honors and accomplishments and has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations - too numerous to mention - including honors from the Democratic Party, The Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP and in 2002 was the recipient of the Rockland County Buffalo Soldier Award.

Thomas Watson’s political career is legendary. In 1988, Mr. Watson made history as the first African American elected Mayor of a Village in New York State. The foundation of Haverstraw’s revitalization laid by Tom is still being implemented to this day. All of this while still remaining active in his Church - Calvary Baptist Church, as well as being a devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Tom will be fondly remembered as a devoted civil servant, a loving Brother, Uncle, God-father, Cousin and Friend, and also a great bowler, a talented singer, and a lover of the game of golf. Tom was such a bright light. He had a big personality, a gentle spirit, a great sense of humor - worthy of your funniest comedians, and he had the best smile you’ve ever seen.This man of vision was a Leader and a Legend, a Trailblazer and Barrier Breaker, loved by so many. He has left an indelible mark on this world in a profoundly positive manner and will be greatly missed. Thank you “ TL”, for everything.

The Celebration of Life Services for The Honorable Thomas L. Watson Sr. Wednesday, November 6, 2019 “Lying in State” Visitation 2-4 PM & 6 -8 PM at the Calvary Baptist Church, 15 Clinton Street, Haverstraw, NY 10927. On Thursday, November 7, 2019 Final Visitation 9 AM-10 AM Homegoing Funeral Service 10 AM Calvary Baptist Church. Interment to follow at Mt. Repose Cemetery, Haverstraw, NY. Celebration Gathering, all are welcome November 7, 2019 2 PM Knights of Columbus 58 W Broad Street, Haverstraw, NY 10927.