Dale "Butch" Watson

Dale M. "Butch" Watson, 78, of Allentown, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Born in Trenton, he was a graduate of Steinert High School, Class of 1965 and resided in Hamilton Square until his marriage in 1973. He earned his undergraduate degrees from Mercer County Community College and Montclair State, and later his master’s degree in education from Trenton State College. In his early career he was an English teacher at Trenton State Prison and an adjunct instructor at Mercer County Community College. Dale later worked for the State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, retiring in 2002 as the Assistant Regional Manager for the Division of Mental Health & Hospitals.

Dale was a proud patriot and military veteran. While attending Steinert High School, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve and served for two years. After graduation, he joined the Air Force for four years where he served in Vietnam for one year and reached Sergeant status before his honorable discharge from active duty in 1969. After graduating from college, he joined the Army National Guard for four years, and then the Air National Guard for seven years. Dale was the 2nd Vice President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, New Jersey Chapter 899, serving as Honor Guard for many years and was a member of the 112th Field Artillery Association.

Dale was also a member of the Upper Freehold Regional School Board for several years. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, reading, watching soccer and war documentaries, bird watching and photography. Above all, Dale loved spending time with his four grandchildren and attending their recitals, sports games and school events.

Son of the late Marguerite and Glenn W. Watson, he was predeceased by his brother, John Watson and his sister, Avis “Sue” Woodward. Dale is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Linda Riephoff Watson; his two daughters, Shannon Muntone of Ewing and Kelly Monahan of Hamilton; his beloved grandchildren, Zachary and Nathaniel Muntone and Kayla and Derek Monahan. Dale is also survived by his brother, Bob Watson and his wife Kathy of Hamilton and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 21st from 2-5pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown, NJ. A funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd at 11am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dale’s name to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at DAV.org.