Matthew A. Watson

1964 - 2025

Matthew A. Watson, 61, of Philipsburg, PA, died on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at his home.

Born on April 16, 1964 in Folsom, PA, Matthew was the son of the late Alvin K. Watson & Florence E. (Frame) Watson. He married Susan (Cowher) Watson on November 4, 1995 in Florence, SC. She survives at home.

Matthew was a former manager at Sheetz in State College, PA.

He was a 1982 graduate from Unionville High School. Matthew also graduated from Penn State University with a BS in HRIM and he bled white and blue.

Matthew was an avid pool player. He was a member of several teams. Matthew was also an avid sports fan. He also belonged to a fantasy football league with his college friends, Barry and Dave.

I used to be frightened of dying, I used to think death was the end, now I am not scared anymore "Safe in the light that surrounds me, free of the fear of the pain, my questioning mind Has helped me to find the meaning in my life again" "If I die tomorrow, I will be alright Because I believe that after we're gone, the spirit carries on.

Matt Watson: an incredibly complicated man. With loving kindness towards his peers, he was stubborn and boisterous about his opinions and did not care that some things weren't to be spoken of at the dinner table. He loved to debate and argue. A metal head, head-banger to the core, devout pool player for over four decades would not want his life written about in the traditional sense. In 1991 He was living next door to a curly haired woman Susan, in Park Forest Apartments. During the next 5 years, he graduated from Penn State, married Susan and then made a clone of himself, Zachary, who is twice as stubborn and more vocal. 35 years later, that wild woman still loves him.

Matt breathed Blue and White all Penn State Athletics until his last breath. He met two lifelong friends during his time at Penn State, Barry and Dave. They bonded over all sports, could speak to each other in their own language no one understood, and played hours of lever hockey. Their bond only increased as they became older.

He became a better man throughout his illness. He calmed himself, his quick-witted comebacks, wise, kind man. He loved playing trivia, Shoresy and Rosey, his two cats, and being regaled with stories by his friend Don.

Matt suffered in excruciating pain. Through music, sports, tormenting his Tweety a.k.a. Susan, and screaming about fantasy sports with Barry and Dave. He was a loving soul when it counted.

He was worthy, viciously head-strong, and lived on in all who knew him. and yet apologized to those caring for him after complaining to them. He fought hard and overshot his cancer diagnosis by years. His support system was endless, from Matt's pool family, his friends and siblings by choice, Susan's brothers and their families, and his in-laws through his son. They all became part of why he fought as long as he did. He struggled heavily at the end. No one knew his lifetime of pain, yet he still managed to control how he transitioned. Determined to make to his last birthday, see his son, Zachary, his daughter in law Jessica, and his wife Tweety. He peacefully left us the day after his 61st birthday. April 17 th ,2025

Matt should be remembered for his life, not his departure. He could charm anyone and played a killer pool match mentoring rookies. Matt had a warm smile. He loved music and was the pickiest eater for no other reason than he liked it that way.

"Move on be brave do not weep at my grave because I am no longer here, but please never let your memory of me disappear "

Take a page from the pool master 's handbook. When you line up your perfect shot in life and you can see it all playing out how you expect, take the harder shot instead, the treacherous road life offers, and it will be worth it.

Few saw all facets of his character. He was the guy yelling at the band to play free bird, and now he is flying high

Song lyrics from. Dream Theater "The Spirit Carries on" one of Matt's favorite songs

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Susan; a son, Zachary A. Watson & his wife Jessica of Harrisburg, PA; and a brother, Mark A. Watson of South Carolina.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

There will be no visitation.

Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC Osceola Mills, PA is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC – P.O. Box 157 Osceola Mills, PA 16666.

To sign the online guestbook go to www.heathfuneral.com