John Peter Watson |
| Posted 2008-11-08 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, November 04, 2008 John Peter Watson, age 91, of Prescott, Ariz., died on Nov. 3, 2008, of complications related to Alzheimer's disease. John was born on April 5, 1917, in Youngstown, Ohio, the second of five children, to the late Peter and Helen Watson. John's parents immigrated from Greece prior to his birth, and John grew up with a love of both his Greek heritage and the United States. His father owned several successful restaurants in Ohio and it is there that John first learned about cooking and the restaurant business. John proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945, first as part of the 107th Cavalry, the last horse cavalry in history, and then as a technical sergeant, instructor of cooking, baking and meat cutting. John and his brother were partners in Watson's Restaurant in Kenmore, N.Y., for almost 40 years. The business was renowned in Western New York and its candy-making business is legendary to this day. John was president of the Lion's Club, Kenmore, N.Y., chapter in 1973. He was also a Master Mason. Over the years, John received more awards and acknowledgments for his leadership, service, creativity and integrity in the food service industry than can be listed here. Many of these were while he was a member of the International Food Service Association. In addition, he was a member of the U.S. armed forces food service evaluation team. During these trips he was given the temporary rank of one-star general. John volunteered duty in places such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Germany, Italy and Spain. John volunteered for SCORE and helped many budding restaurateurs. John was a gregarious storyteller with a great sense of humor and zest for life. He spoke three languages. He loved to solve crossword puzzles, play golf and travel. He was a talented woodworker and artist and received an AA degree from Yavapai College in 2001. John is survived by his wife, Constance, of Prescott; his children, John (Susan) Watson of Valrico, Fla., Nick (Pam) Watson of Williamsville, N.Y., Elaine (Bob) Finn of Phoenix, Ariz., and their children and grandchildren; his step-children Susan Caldwell of Brazil, Steven Caldwell of Romania, Sandra Caldwell (Nancy Newbold) of Redwood City, Calif., and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Katherine Jamesson of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Mary Hample of Moline, Ill. and Colleen Mansfield of Rochester, N.Y. and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Helen Watson, first wife, Mary, and brother Louis and is survived by Louis' family. John requested not to have a memorial service. His cremains will be interred at Elmlawn Cemetery in Kenmore, N.Y. Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Yavapai College. Information provided by survivors. |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?