Peter Johannes Watry Jr.

Peter Johannes Watry Jr. passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2025. His children and grandchildren were at his side. Peter wrote the following before he passed and asked that it be published as his obituary.

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The British economist (and father of macroeconomics) John Maynard Keynes once wrote, "In the long run, we are all dead". He was writing in 1936, explaining how governments could get the world out of the Great Depression, a tempestuous time. Keynes was trying to focus attention on the practical, short-run analysis, as opposed to the theoretical, long-run analysis that seemed to simply say that when the storm is long past, the ocean will be flat again. Keynes' correctly asserted that in the long run we are all dead, so let's take care of this dreadful short-run problem first.

Well, my short run has past, and I have now entered my long run, but, wow!, did I have a wonderful short run.

Raised in Glendale, California, I had a wonderful childhood, a childhood I kept going until I was drafted into the Army when I was 21. End of childhood, and time to get serious about the rest of my short run. Educationally, a degree from UCLA in accounting, an MBA from USC, and, later, a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) laid the groundwork.

Then, five uneventful but semi-interesting years as a cost accountant at an aerospace firm in Pasadena, followed by 35 wonderful, wonderful years teaching accounting and economics at Southwestern College in Chula Vista.

Just as the Industrial Revolution was the watershed event in the economics of human history, marrying Susan was the watershed event of my history. In 1956, I was working part-time at Sears Roebuck in Glendale during my last semester at UCLA. Luckily, I was assigned as a stock boy in the Housewares department where Susan was working. The rest is a wonderful history! On our crypt is says, "We joyfully shared the dance of life", and that pretty much says it all. Susan blessed our marriage with three wonderful kids - Peter, Derek, and Suzy - and we led a life full of job successes, civic involvement, travels far and wide, and sharing in our kids' adventures. Susan's only demerit was passing away in 2016 after only 59 years of marriage and not waiting for me.

I am the umpteenth generation of Methodists, dating back to when some of my ancestors were 'circuit-rider' Methodist ministers in Kentucky's frontier days. That has provided a steady rudder in my life.

Chula Vista became my adopted 'hometown' succeeding Glendale. Susan and I were so lucky to come here in 1961 for the opening of Southwestern College!

Susan and I are survived by her younger brother, Bud, in Missouri, by our three children - Peter, Derek, and Suzy - and by our grandchildren - Aidan, Emma, and Jack.

And, now, Susan and I will share our long run together and forever in our beloved Chula Vista.

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A public memorial will be held for Peter J. Watry Jr. on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., on the rear deck of the Civic Center Branch of the Chula Vista Public Library on F St. Open to all who would like to attend; please send an email with your name(s) to

peterwatrymemorial@gmail.com.

Those who wish to honor Peter are encouraged to make a donation to the Friends of the Chula Vista Library (thefcvl.org).