Services Set For Joseph J. Watts Jr., Lifelong Newtown Resident

Obituary via www.swartzgivnish.com:

Joseph J. Watts Jr. of Newtown passed away peacefully with his family by his side Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at his residence in Newtown. Joe was a lifelong Newtown resident.

Joe grew up in Newtown where he spent most of his life. After graduating from Newtown School, later known as Chancellor Street School, he worked as a mechanic at Olsen’s Oldsmobile on Washington Avenue. He served in the Navy from 1948 to 1952 as an air traffic controller at Naval Air Station Atlantic City.

Joe married Maureen O’Connell of Philadelphia in 1954, and took over the family grocery store, Watts’ Grocery, which he operated until 1980. Joe served for the Newtown Fire Association for over 25 years, achieving the rank of first assistant chief. He served on the Newtown Planning Commission and was a member of the Newtown American Legion and an active communicant of St. Andrew’s Church.

He retired to Cambridge, Md. where he lived for 10 years before returning to Newtown to be closer to his family. While in Maryland, he continued his service with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Joe is survived by his wife, Maureen; his daughter, Keyna Crawford (Casey); his sons, Don (Lorraine) and Randy (Linda); and five grandchildren, Kevin and Kyle Crawford, Sarah and Emme Watts and Kelsey Watts.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joe’s Life Celebration from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, and to his Mass of Christian Burial at Olde St. Andrew Church, 125 S. Sycamore Street, Newtown. Interment will be held privately.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Newtown Fire Association, P.O. Box 215, Newtown, PA 18940.