Obituary of Robert W. Watson

Our beloved Robert W. Watson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, May 18, 2024, after a long battle with pulmonary sarcoidosis. He was an amazing man who led a selfless and incredible life of service to others.

Bob was born in Washington, DC on October 2, 1945, to William H. and Dorothy J. Watson of Yonkers, NY.  After their early years in Yonkers, the family built a house and settled in Ardsley, New York in 1952.  He went to Ardsley Schools until enrolling in Archbishop Stepinac High School, from which he graduated in 1964. He later graduated from Marist College, where he was a member of the crew team.

He was a Franciscan Friar and was studying at Graymoor to become a priest when he met the love of his life, Susan Agnano, who became his wife of 55 years. He left the monastery, and they married in 1969. Soon after, he was drafted to the Vietnam War. He was a conscientious objector and served his country as a Combat Medic in the 101st Airborne Division of the Army. He received multiple service medals, including the Bronze Star for heroism.

Upon his return, he obtained a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from C.W. Post College. He had an impressive almost 40-year career as a probation officer, helping many reclaim and rehabilitate their lives. He retired in 2007 as a Westchester County Probation Supervisor. Bob also impacted and changed the course of many lives through his work as a Certified Drug and Alcoholism Counselor.

Bob is also remembered for the love and magic he brought to the lives of countless children and adults as Santa Claus for numerous fire departments, police departments, and schools, as well as the Jefferson Valley Mall.

He was a lover of nature, animals, and the outdoors, and he shared this love with his family. He spent numerous hours planning exciting family trips and adventures, including many cross-country camping trips, all of which created lasting memories.

While Bob held many different titles throughout his life, Papa was his favorite. He is survived by his wife, Susan Watson, his three children, Kim (Jim) Mealy, Bryan (Dawn) Watson, and Danny (Christina) Watson and his beautiful grandchildren; Jack, Tommy, Matty, Natalie, Dylan, and Michael. He is also survived by his sister, Dianne DeNardo, and his brother, William Watson, Jr. (Marian), brother-in-law, Frank DeNardo, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his twin sister Margaret. He was a gentle giant and was adored by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but his spirit will live on in our hearts forever.

A eulogy, along with the rendering of military honors, playing of Taps, and flag presentation ceremony will take place following the funeral mass at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 1969 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.