David J. Watkins

David James Watkins, 57, passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2024. He is survived by his Mother, Patricia Watkins, Father, David Watkins, Brother, Richard Watkins, Sister Jo-Anne Tomassetti (John), his niece Devan Enright (Andrew), great-nieces Andee, Lucee, and great nephew, Bennee. A cousin Tia Allen and her family, (Alexei, Duran, Mariana, and Gio). His aunts and uncles, Tiny Paolucci (Mary), Nancy Muggeo (Pasquale), Gina Antoni (Dina, Ashley). Many cousins and close family in Florida and Tennessee. His Sled Shop Family, Michael and Roxann Lumsden, Kaitlyn Eldridge (Thomas, Caroline, Trevor) Rebecca Lumsden, Stephen Lumsden (Raven, Elijah, Xavier). His close friend, Kevin Shaw (Amy). David was an avid car enthusiast. His love of cars started as a small child, at the race track with his father and brother. He excelled in school in the automotive shop, machine shop, and woodshop. He was influenced by many successful people in the racing industry, such as Bob Chipper, Wally Bell, and Bob Cease. After high school, he worked at Martino Terrazzo and Tile. He soon moved on to Doug's Speed Shop to start a career in the motor building industry. He ended up working with his father and brother, for Bob Gentile on the 34 Winston Cup Modified Team. After that he started Watkins Enterprises with his brother. Where David built many cars for local racers. David, Richard and their father, also loved snowmobiles from a young age. This love of working on snowmobiles, is what led him to meet Mike Lumsden. Where David helped Mike build a strong business with sled racing and that strong performance in the racing industry led to SSR Powersports. He spent the rest of his days at SSR working on what he loved, where he touched so many lives. David enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes. Even though David did not have any children of his own, he helped raise many family and friends little ones. David loved fishing, trips, and cooking. David was an amazing man, who was loved by everyone and will be missed dearly. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at the THOMAS J. SHEA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 137 Robinson St. Binghamton, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in David's honor to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation remembering Maddie Shaw.
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