William Watt

William L.  “Bill” Watt, 95, went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 9, 2023. He was at home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was the son of the late Arthur W. Watt and Mae Goodwin Watt Collins.  Bill was born in Medford, Massachusetts and was raised and educated in Hyde Park, MA where he graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1945.  After high school he attended college for a short time but funds were low so he joined the U.S. Coast Guard.  He served as a weatherman in the N. Atlantic during the closing days of World War II.  After discharge he attended Northeastern University using the G.I. Bill graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Bill met the love of his life, Marie Larsson, at a Swedish dance. They were married on February 2, 1951 and remained together until Marie’s passing 69 years later.  Bill took wonderful, loving care of Marie during the last years of her life.

Bill started his career with the DuPont Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was transferred to Seaford, Delaware in 1958 where he and Marie raised their family.  He retired from DuPont in 1985 but retirement was not a word in his vocabulary.  He sold athletic socks and was proprietor of Watt’s Stump Grinding Service after “retirement”.  He was an AARP Tax Aide, a past member of the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, and a past board member of the Sussex County Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Bill was an amazing, meticulous, and intelligent man. He was a jack of all trades and master of many. His interests were many and diverse.  He excelled in sports to include golf, fishing, dove hunting, boating.  He was a jogger and completed the NYC and Marine Corp marathons.  He was a fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics.  He was a master gardener and had a well maintained yard and home.

Bill was a devout Christian. He was a member of Grace Church in Seaford and active in many ministries serving Jesus and other people.  He was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and enjoyed singing in the choir.

Bill lived a full and happy life as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His love, help, and generosity knew no bounds.  As per his request and so like his giving nature, his remains were donated to the anatomical gift program at the University of Delaware.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his grandson Mark Thomas, his sister Marjorie Pierce, his son-in-law Ray Thomas, and his constant canine companion Buddy.

Bill is survived by his 4 children:  Elna Watt, Nancy Thomas, Kristine Gholdston (Daniel), and Daniel Watt, grandchildren: Leah Dickerson (Rook), Rachel Gibson, Aaron Gholdston, great-grandchildren:  Olivia, Dylan, and Drew Dickerson, Caroline White, and Genevieve Gibson, a friend who loved him like a father, Dee Sard, and several nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to Vitas Hospice and Griswold Home Care.  A special thank you to Toni A. who provided such good care for Dad in his final year.