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Joseph Watterson Obituary
He was born Sept. 17, 1942, in New London, the son of the late Joseph and Mary (McGinnis) Watterson Sr. He attended local schools and graduated from New London High School and went on to receive a bachelor's degree from the University of New Haven. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was honorably discharged after many years of service.
He was united in marriage to the former Betty "BJ" Paul on Sept. 19, 1964, in St. Joseph Church. Mrs. Watterson survives him.
Mr. Watterson served for 40 years in law enforcement, first serving with the New London Police Department and later with the Waterford Police Department, retiring in 2003. Upon retiring from the Waterford Police Department, he served as a Judicial Marshall in the New London Court House and retired from the State of Connecticut Judicial Marshall Office.
He was a volunteer for the former Oxford Hose Co. Fire Department and volunteered numerous hours for the Women's Shelter in New London. He voluntarily maintained the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery on Rope Ferry Road in Waterford and was the founder of Gatekeepers Motorcycle Club.
Besides his beloved wife of 48 years, he was a devoted father to his three daughters, Kristy and husband, Warren Rooks, of Merrimack, N.H., Deborah and husband, Mac Lyon, of Groton, and Kerry Watterson of Groton. Left to cherish their Pop-Pop's memory are his two beautiful granddaughters, Mackenzie Elizabeth and Sydney Grace Lyon. His sister, Joann White of Old Lyme, also survives him along with his two nephews, Peter and Jason White.
Besides his family, Jeff will be sadly missed by numerous loyal and dedicated friends and his faithful buddy, Griffin. To say Jeff relished being in the wind riding his Harley or cruising in his Mustang would be an understatement to all who knew him.
His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. The funeral will assemble at 9 a.m. on Saturday and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, Squire St. New London, with interment in St. Mary Cemetery.
Semper Fi
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Watterson
Sponsored by His Love Family.
jaryd hammer
January 3, 2025
This man was the reason i joined the marine corps. he was reason i am who i am. i love you jeff i miss you.
Darrell J Heon
September 17, 2021
Thinking about my friend Jeff and im proud that he called me a friend. My love goes out to the family.
Meredyth barnes
September 5, 2013
A special person who will never be forgotten,,,never
Dave "Husker"
August 26, 2013
Ride on Jeff...maybe up there the blacktop goes on forever but then again, we rode on a lot of gravel and dirt together so I know it wont stop you even if they don't. Rest in Peace Marine.
lisa kimball
August 25, 2013
Jeff was an amazing friend to all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim Barnes
August 24, 2013
Dear Watterson Family,
I'm truly sorry to learn about Jeff's passing and want to pass along my deepest sympathies. I knew Jeff from my many years on the CSP both at Troop E and other assignments. Jeff was always there professionally and personally offering assistance when needed and I always appreciated him for his kindness and calmness.
May your wonderful lifelong memories bring you some measure of comfort during this time of sorrow. God Bless you Jeff, thanks for always being there as back-up. You were a true gentleman for the ages.
Kevin T. Cook
August 24, 2013
My heart goes out to Jeff's family. He was a wonderful friend, I enjoyed many rides with him, Kevin, Bobby, and Allen, some years ago. I will miss seeing him riding by my house.
sherry
August 24, 2013
Aunt Bet and family,
Uncle Jeff was a wonderful caring person. I admired him and looked up to him. I am so sorry that I could not be there but you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all!
August 24, 2013
To the Watterson Family, with our heartfelt sympathy on the lost of a great man.He would always stop in the VFW for a cold bud lite, and to chat about this and that,and how much he loved his Family, and to someday hope to go on a cruise, and to send groups, Marine Corp. for their steak night, the motorcycle groups for their meetings to our club "to help us out." He would always ask "Gail, are they spending money?" He was always trying to help the club.He was great and will be deeply missed.God Bless.
The Waterford VFW
Susan French
August 24, 2013
BJ and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I considered Jeff one of the finest people I have ever met and a true friend. I'm sorry I can't be there to say good-bye. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will never be forgotten.
William Tewksbury, Jr.
August 23, 2013
To the Watterson family:
I first met Jeff when he and I were both police officers in the 70's. Somewhat on the reserved side when first meeting him, I could tell that he was dedicated, professional and model of a "good cop". I am a retired Captain, Patrol Division Commander, Norwich PD - having about 60 officers like Jeff working for me would have made my job a breeze! I hope Jeff's legacy provides you with comfort at this time of loss.
August 23, 2013
To the Watterson family, We can't say enough about Jeff, he was a wonderful person, had the pleasure of knowing him and riding with him, he always knew the right thing to say, he will be truly missed our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chuck Pryor and Maryellen Harrison. Uncasville, ct.
Bob Kimes
August 23, 2013
I was lucky to have known Jeff and shared some of his time here...now you ride free brother...ill be sure to stop by the vfw and have a hotdog in his honor something only a few of us will understand
August 23, 2013
Dolly,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May you all find comfort in knowing he will always be shining on you. God Bless with love, Christine Buczkowski
janet Paul-Trenn
August 23, 2013
Betty and your family, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you all. Jeff was a great guy.
Mary (Joyce) Wagner
August 23, 2013
Dear Joann! So sorry to see this news about the loss of your brother. May he Rest In Peace!
Pat Zarkos
August 23, 2013
BJ and Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. We miss you and think of our Waterford friends often.
Cheryl Terranova
August 23, 2013
To Jeff's family,I Know you all will miss him,as will so many of us that he touched! He was a fair cop..A great rider..&good person to have on your on your side.. His eyes lit up when he laughed.. He was a good person & that is rare..For he will be miss..So now it is time for his journey to start..May he Ride up..& watch over all of you. R.I.P. Jeff xo Cheryl..
Samuel Grillo
August 23, 2013
Betty, my sympathy to you and your family. I worked with Jeff for many years while with the NLPD and knew his sense of humor first hand. In this life you are truly blessed if you ever get to call a man like Jeff a friend. I am truly blessed. RIP my friend.
Joan Paskewich (FKA "Mrs. Murf")
August 23, 2013
Deb and Kerry: I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. He was so proud of you when you were playing softball for me. Please extend my heartfelt sympathies to your Mom and Sister.
Barbara Gomes
August 23, 2013
Betty, so sorry for the loss of your dear husband Jeff. I remember in the early years of our marriages how we got together and had great conversations. He was always a gentleman and will be sadly missed. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Bill Scanlon
August 23, 2013
I remember the days back on fern st. when we had to call jeff Mr. Watterson. Then years later when we see one another at Stash's it would be just jeff. HE WAS ONE HELL OF A MAN. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU JEFF.
Bill Scanlon
August 23, 2013
I still remember all the great bays back on fern street when we would call jeff, Mr. Watterson. Then years later it was just jeff. I will never forget you jeff.
sheila alger wheeler
August 23, 2013
Betty jean So sorry for you loss.
Dan & Cindy Nutt
August 23, 2013
BJ & family,
So sad to hear about Jeff's passing he was such a warm compassionate friend. May prayers & warm memories comfort you during this very sad time.
Katherine Peters
August 23, 2013
BJ and family, We were so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a good friend to both of us for many,many years.You are in our thoughts and prayers. Pete and Kathy Peters
August 23, 2013
BJ and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeff was a friend to so many and will be remembered for his great sense of humor and kindness. Deepest Sympathy, George and Cathy Lambert
Jim Gravell
August 23, 2013
Going to miss seeing you drive and ride by the house and your wave , you were a great guy Jeff
Leslie Rocketto
August 23, 2013
Betty Jean, Kristy, Deb and Kerry,
I was sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I first met him when he came to pick you for a date, I thought he was very shy because he was so quiet. Then he became a police officer for New London and I saw that he wasn't shy after all. I know all of you have great memories to help you thru this time. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Kenneth Jaskiewicz
August 23, 2013
Jeff was a loyal friend and loved to ride his Harley. I will never forget the day he asked if I wanted to buy his 1981 Sturgis. I did because I owned the 1991 Sturgis. Was happy to have owned Jeffs 81. True friend thanks Jeff for having you as a friend, riding partner. And my coworker with the Marshals. Ride on up there my friend! You will be missed.
Kenneth Jaskiewicz
August 23, 2013
Jeff was a loyal friend and loved to ride his Harley. I will never forget the day he asked if I wanted to buy his 1981 Sturgis. I did because I owned the 1991 Sturgis. Was happy to have owned Jeffs 81. True friend thanks Jeff for having you as s friend, riding partner. And my coworker with the Marshals. Ride on up there my friend! You will be missed.
Marilyn Manchester-Vol at L&M
August 22, 2013
Kerry and Family...I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and saying prayers for all.
Jill-Mary Mucciarone
August 22, 2013
I was blessed to know him and to have had his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
DONNA RUGGIERI
August 22, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. Jeff was a good man. A friend to many people. We all will miss him. RIP, ride on my friend!
Eric and Gail Strickland
August 22, 2013
Dear Betty Jean and all of your family. Jeff and I were hired togather way back in 1973 at the WPD. I always looked up to him him as my mentor, as Jeff was a seasoned NLPD officer, I being a rookie. He never steered me wrong in his advice. I remember him saying, "be yourself, do what you think is right and you will be alright". For 25 plus years we worked with each other and I would turn to him for help, both on the job and off. He never let me down and always had my "back". May God bless him and your family. He will never be forgotten.
August 22, 2013
condolences to the Watterson family greg and joan Burkholder, PA
Jennifer Lepore
August 22, 2013
Dear BJ, I'm so sorry for your loss! Jeff was a dear friend. He was a good man! He loved when I called you Vera! We had some good laughs with my ex-husband Tony the night we came over for dinner! By the grace of God I was lucky enough to say good bye. If you need anything at all please don't be afraid to ask! You are like family! Keri is one of my dearest friends! I love you girls! Again, I'm so sorry for your loss! I loved going riding with Jeff. After waiting on him for all those years, Don't DARE put onions and peppers on his steak grinder! Lol! I just loved him! Jim and I will being going tomorrow night. We will see you then. XoXo
Joey nutts
August 22, 2013
Ride Hard my Brother, you are free now.
GKFFGK
Ann Bergheim
August 22, 2013
Dear BJ and family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Jeff and our family over the years. You will remain in my prayers.
Paul & Maggie Liparulo
August 22, 2013
BJ, So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I have fond memories of when we worked together in Waterford. He was a fine Officer with a solid work ethic. Funny when it was appropriate and serious when he had to be. Taught me how to use "The Claw". Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Don & Wendy Venditto
August 22, 2013
Dear Betty Jean & Family
We are "deeply sorry" to hear of Jeff's passing. We send our deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.
August 22, 2013
Kristy and family, We are so sorry for your loss, and hold you all in our thoughts a prayers while you go through this difficult time.
All our love and sympathy,
Karen, Jeff, Katie and Joe Palmer
Charlie Weeman
August 22, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Watterson family. I will miss Jeff and the great times we shared together on and off the road. Goodbye my friend.
Nikki Cristofaro
August 22, 2013
May God bring you peace and comfort, and may your faith sustain you in this time of loss. With Deepest Sympathy
Richard Donovan Sr.
August 22, 2013
our best to a very long time friend; remembering the good times @ NLHS,NLPD, and the state police academy @ Bethany...
My thoughts of sorrow are w/ U and your family
Tina Lambert
August 22, 2013
BJ, Kristy, Deb, Kerry & family. The greatest part of growing up or older is the people you meet along the wayside. I would not trade my age for anything. I was lucky, honored, privileged to meet Jeff in the early 90's. I knew who he was as he had worked with my brother on the WFTD PD. I met Jeff while working at Stash's Cafe'.He was very stoic to those he did not know him yet always polite. It took me a long time for him to warm up to me. At one time I told him he had to be my friend because he knew my brother & we shared other friends. I wore him down. We became acquaintances. After a few years we became friends and I will always cherish every minute of that friendship. My heart breaks for your family ... but the fact that in my life time I was lucky & honored to know such a wonderful man & meet his wonderful family ... I am truly a blessed woman.
Frank Florio
August 22, 2013
To the Watterson Family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Watterson's passing. It's been many years since we all met while we were involved in girls softball. I have always remembered your family as a loving family that enjoyed life together. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry May
August 22, 2013
BJ, so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Bill Shafman
August 22, 2013
BJ, Kerry and family....my thoughts are with you, so so sorry for your loss..love Billy
Bob Strohl
August 22, 2013
To The Watterson Family,
My sincerest condolences to all of you in the loss of Jeffrey. Jeff uniquely set me straight early on when I rode and worked with him as a rookie which was the beginning of a cherished friendship throughout his and my career.
Rest in peace my friend and thank you for your never ending friendship, smiles and who you were as an individual.
Court/Evidence Officer
Waterford Police Department
Eddie Chappell
August 22, 2013
BJ, I considered Jeff as a dear friend. I will miss him. GOD bless you and your Family.
Eddie Chappell...
BIll Torgan
August 22, 2013
I remember walking a beat with Jeff on Bank street. He always had a great sense of humor even when making an arrest and he loved playing practical jokes on fellow officers. He was very well liked and respected. My heart felt condolences go out to his family at this sad time.
Rest well my friend.
Madeleine Jarvis
August 22, 2013
Betty, my sincerest sympathy on your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
joseph leach
August 22, 2013
BJ MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW
Alane Cook
August 22, 2013
BJ,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you & your family at this difficult time.
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