Michael Watson

Michael Barrett Watson, 79, a lifelong resident of Wyckoff, NJ and Chatham, MA, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Born in Paterson, NJ, he was a graduate of Ramapo High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University with graduate studies in finance.
Son of Edward L. Watson and Catherine A. Watson, Mike was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of St. Elizabeth's Parish in Wyckoff, NJ. He was an active member of the Parish Council for many years.
His 50-year career in banking included specialization in trust and wealth management and attaining a CTFA designation. He was honored by The New York Athletic Club for 50 years of membership. He was committed to service and found joy in his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels of Wyckoff and his support of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Mike is survived by Donna, his beloved wife of 55 years. His children, Michael B. Watson, Jr., and his wife Pamela of Columbus, OH, Elizabeth Schlessman and her husband Matthew of Sudbury, MA, and his five grandchildren Katy, Emma, and Nick Watson, and Caroline and Nolan Schlessman.
Mike was a kind, generous, selfless soul who could light up any room. His generosity was endless, and he was a joy to be around. His laughter and happiness were infectious. His love of family was his world. An avid boater, Mike spent a lifetime in Chatham, MA with his family out on the water on his boat, the Sea Sage. His love of the ocean trickled over into years of cruising with Donna around the world. Mike's soul exuded music. As a drummer, he always shared his knowledge and the beat, bringing us all together.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, December 12 from 2-5pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 13 at 10am at St. Elizabeth's R.C. Church 700 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ followed by an entombment at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ. For those unable to attend, the funeral Mass will be livestreamed at http://www.saintelizabeths.org/live-streaming.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's memory can be made to Meals On Wheels of Wyckoff at 30 Magnolia Way North Haledon, NJ 07508 or to The Little Sisters of the Poor littlesistersofthepoortotowa.org.