Gerald Kenneth (Jerry) Watson passed away in Christiana Hospital on December 17, 2024, at the age of 77. He was born in 1947, to Kenneth and Jane McDonald Watson in Wilmington, Delaware.
He is predeceased by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Michele (Miki) Vicorek Watson, two sons: Rueben Watson and his wife, Jacqueline C. Watson of Lewes, Delaware, Nigel Watson of Aston, Pennsylvania and three grandsons: Wyatt, Jacob and Jude Watson.
Also grieving are his sisters, Catherine E. Morris and Audrey (Vicky) Packard, his St. Patrick’s Church Family, and his family in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. He cherished his relationship with his best friends, Marc Terpko and Scott Capaldi, as well as with his sisters-in-law and their husbands, Marcia and Laurence Raniere and Diane and Jeffrey Brigham and their families.
Jerry converted and was baptized a Roman Catholic at age 74. He gave thanks every day for those who helped him “find his missing piece”, especially Father Christopher Markellos and Father John McVoy. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Father Trainor Council.
Jerry was a single father raising his two sons with the selfless help of his Mother (Gram) until he married the love of his life, Miki, in 1995. Together, they forged a family unit that stands strong together.
Jerry’s love for his family was immeasurable. He was so very proud of his sons but his three grandsons were the center his life. He was devoted to them, and as Poppy, he cherished, guided, taught and counseled them with sound advice meshed with true caring. Jerry’s legacy is his love of nature and science that shines in all of them. We will always remember Jerry’s sense of humor.
He served his country in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War.
Jerry’s adventures took him to many continents but his homebase was always Hollyoak and Wilmington; his heart and love of the outdoors remained in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, where his maternal roots began and where he enjoyed many recreational hours with his beloved family. Always laughing ….Always hugging..Always eating around his cousin Mickey Hoyt’s kitchen table.
The Watson family will always be grateful to our friends and family for the love and support during Jerry’s many hospital stays. Your Masses, calls, cards, texts, hugs, cookies, dinners and ears are so appreciated.
As heartbroken as we are, we are so grateful to God for His wonderful loan of Jerry. He will be forever in our hearts. Jerry’s favorite comments were: My life is so good. I am always surrounded by a family full of so much love. I am so grateful. No Regrets. We are Watsons!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Church, 1414 N King St, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, at 11:00 AM. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery.
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