Mystic - Dudley "Lee" A. Watrous, 72, of Mystic, died suddenly Dec. 20, 2023. An exceptionally skilled builder, Lee was hard-working, endlessly giving, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Lee was born May 4, 1951, in New London, son of the late Albert P. Watrous and Dorothy (Lyon) Watrous.

He attended Robert E. Fitch Senior High School and earned degrees from Mitchell College, American University and Pepperdine University. While Lee had several careers throughout his life, his skills as a builder blessed many. He was the construction manager for Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut for several years, and he spent more than 20 years leading building project mission trips with Gales Ferry UMC in many areas of the U.S. Never one to sit still, Lee was also an avid skier, sailor and woodsman.

Lee is survived by his wife Gail (Manning) Watrous; his daughter Ingrid (Watrous) Bordner and her husband Christopher and their children, Seth and Rachel; son Kirk Watrous and his wife Kat Murphy and their daughter, Greta; and sisters, Ruth Fahrenkrug of Hampton, Va., Joani Golnik of Oxnard, Calif., and Gail Watrous of Hamden; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Lee's Life will be held in the spring for close friends and family. Please do not send flowers. Donations may be sent to www.habitatect.org. Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London is assisting the family with the arrangements. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Dec. 24, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Dudley Watrous

Sponsored by Byles Memorial Home - New London.

17 Entries

Carol Allen

April 18, 2024

Remembering many good times about Dudley from many years ago. Sorry for your earthly loss.

Marcel Dufresne

January 4, 2024

Such sad news. Lee was a gentle, giving and well-respected friend who touched many with his big heart and masterful skills. We met two decades ago while training dogs together and our paths crossed often since. His expertise with tools helped me evaluate and dispose of the contents of another friend's woodworking shop in RHode Island when the latter died a few years ago. Then he offered his front yard on a busy street for a tool sale to benefit the deceased young daughter. That's the kind of guy Lee was. Our condolences to Gail and family. He will be missed by so many. Marcel and Bethe Dufresne

50 years . Only the projects changed .

Randy terwilliger

December 29, 2023

Dudley was my best friend for over 50 years. We met at Mitchell College and hit it off right away . He taught me how to ski which became my passion for many years and I exposed him to dirt bikes and boats. He was the person that most affected my life when he offered me a opportunity to work with him in California in 1978 . He returned after a few years to Connecticut but I stayed on and have had an amazing life which all started with the opportunity he gave me . We stayed in touch and when I began to spend three to four months total a year back home in Ct he would spend a lot of time with my projects and in return I would do my best to assist him in any way
I could with his. I learned so much just trying to keep up with him which as anyone who has spent time with him knows is almost an impossibility. I was so glad to have spent three days with him clearing trees from his property and jokingly referred to it as Watrous boot camp as each day I learned something new whether it was running the log splitter , chain saws , skid steer or his dump truck . I was just happy to be repaying him in a some small way for the many things he had done for me . I showed up for the fourth day looking forward to spending another interesting time with him but my best friend was gone.
When I come across others in the same situation I find myself I always offering a bit of advice which is to focus on the many good times that were had and not the immediate painful ones. In this particular case there are so many good memories that I hope that my own advice works for me . For all those that knew him and the hundreds if not thousands of people he helped along the way we lost a really good man .

Dave Scott

December 29, 2023

Deepest condolences to your family and dear friends. We were saddened to read about Lee's passing. I worked with Lee for many years at Habitat. He was a wonderful supervisor and a caring friend to the whole crew. He will be missed by many, but his memory will live on. Dave and Sandie Scott

Rebecca Baumann

December 27, 2023

Gail and Family, I have been so honored to have known Lee first as a parishioner and then as a friend. Such a blessing to have been able to spend time with all of you this past summer. My heart and soul mourn with yours during these sacred days of grief. I wish I could think of something poignant to say and write that would bring peace. I know that is impossible. Please know how much I cherish our times together and the sorrow I now share within my heart for each member of your beloved family. Pastor Becky

Lorrie Johy

December 27, 2023

So sorry for your loss

Frank Brewer

December 27, 2023

Gail, we are so sorry to hear of Dudley's passing. I was glad to hear Randy was there to help you. We were friends from his time in Mystic, we were roommates in Groton Long Point, we skied just about every ski area in New England, sailed and boated all over Fisher's Island Sound. He was so much fun in our group of friends, he will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.
Frank and Gloria Brewer

Linda Needham

December 26, 2023

I will always remember working alongside Lee while building my house. He taught me many things and I am forever thankful for all of his help. He will surely be missed especially his infectious smile.

David David J Capen sr

December 26, 2023

Sincere condolences to Gail and his family. Years ago in Mystic Dudley and I owned a O’day sail boat, along with Frankie Brewer we used to ski all over New England.

Sally Bondy

December 26, 2023

We are so sorry for your loss. Lee was a wonderful mentor to our family through Habitat for Humanity. Our deepest condolences,
Sally Bondy and family

Glennys Ulschak

December 26, 2023

Gail, I'm so saddened to read of Lee's death. I had the fortunate experience to go with your mission team on a trip to northern Maine (06? 07?)
I recall Lee's dedication to the project and even more so to the people.
His attention to technical detail and people skills were his hallmark of a faithful servant. Well done, Lee.

Len K

December 26, 2023

Sincere Condolence's & sympathy for Watrous family Thank you for you´ve done. RIP

Dino

December 24, 2023

I had the pleasure to work with Lee at Habitat. His shoes were impossible to fill.
His impact and legacy will live on.
The world was a better a place with him in it.

Dino

December 24, 2023

I was privileged to have worked with Lee at Habitat. His shoes were impossible to fill.
So sorry to hear of his passing. The world is a better place for Lee having been a part of it.
He will be missed, his legacy will live forever.
Dino

Robert Welt

December 24, 2023

Gail, my most sincere condolences. The beautiful interior of your home is testament to Lee's craftsmanship.

Terri O'Rourke

December 24, 2023

If it is true that a measure of a man is in the lives he touched, then it is also true that Lee is immeasurable, his touch was far and wide and generational...All who knew and loved Lee, also know he was one of a kind. What a privilege it has been to know such a man. My sincerest condolences to all who are feeling his loss.

Traci Moreno

December 24, 2023

I will always remember his smile, humor and building legacy. Love to the family so dear to my heart!

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