John Lawrence Watson

John Lawrence Watson, 86, of Wilmington, DE, passed away surrounded by his family on December 30, 2022, in Hockessin, DE.

John was born in Wilmington, DE to Clara (Kowalski) Watson and Lawrence (Perzanowski) Watson in 1936. He went to P.S. Dupont High School and graduated from the University of Delaware where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the varsity golf team. He married the love of his life, Colette Ann Behlke, on October 1, 1960, in Wilmington, DE, celebrating over 62 years of marriage. He served our country as a Staff Sergeant of the 262nd Ordnance Company, 109th Ordnance Battalion of the Army National Guard of Delaware and as a reserve of the Army.

John worked for the Allstate Insurance Company for more than 30 years before opening the John L. Watson Insurance Agency in September 2000. He valued the many personal relationships that developed over the years both through his business as well as personally. He always looked forward to spending time with his close group of friends, many of them from his youth and known affectionately as “the gang”. Quick to make friends with anyone that would lend him an ear, John was famous for talking about his cherished grandchildren and family. His pride in family was endless. He retired in 2010, offering him time to travel with Colette and attend countless grandchildren sports and extracurricular events. An avid sports fan, John cheered for all teams Philly, but was especially passionate about his beloved Yankees, Notre Dame, and Delaware Blue Hens.

John’s faith guided him in life. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, in Wilmington, DE. Through prayer and his devotion to Mary, Mother of God, he was instrumental in the effort that ultimately brought about the creation of the 34 ft. “Our Lady, Queen of Peace” statue which now stands on the grounds of Holy Spirit Church in New Castle, DE. John’s vision came to fruition, as “Our Lady” is now visible to all as they drive across the Delaware Memorial Bridge entering Delaware. It has become a holy shrine and people travel from all over to visit the “Madonna of the East Coast”.

John is preceded in death by his mother Clara (Kowalski) Watson and father Lawrence (Perzanowski) Watson; brothers Edmund Watson, Ronald Watson and his first-born Annie Watson.

John is survived by his wife Colette (Behlke) Watson; his children Mary Ellen “Mimi” (Kevin) Casey, John (Kim) Watson, Tim (Kathy) Watson, Suzanne (Pete) Jenner; grandchildren: Kristine Casey, Ryan Watson , Sam Watson , Kelly Casey, Madeline Watson, Tighe Watson, Clara Watson, Jordin Jenner; and his faithful dog Bailey.

John’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at The Summit, Vitas Hospice and Carpe Vita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Knights of Columbus assembly No.148. Mail to: Santa Maria Council, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 4701 Weldin Rd Wilmington, DE 19803

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Funeral Services

Visitation will be 6pm -8pm Friday, January 6, 2023, at Chandler Funeral Home located at 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am Saturday, January 7, at St Ann’s Catholic Church located at 2013 Gilpin Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine.

Condolences

Paul Hopkins writes,

John was a good man and a great Brother Knight. He always did what he could to help our Council, especially our golf outing. He had a heart of gold and will be missed. We send our prayers to the Watson family.

01/03/2023 05:20 pm

Anthony & Joan. Vari lit a candle and writes,

To the. Watson. Family Very sorry for loss to this wonderful man God stay with him always Tony and Joan Vari

01/03/2023 06:09 pm

Tom Wyler writes,

I am very sorry for your loss.

01/04/2023 11:55 am

Joseph R MALKOSKI lit a candle and writes,

So sorry for the families lost. Knights lost a brother and great friend.

01/04/2023 12:11 pm

Jerry Barsha lit a candle and writes,

My most sincere sympathy to the Watson family. He was a good friend for many years and whenever we were together he was always a bright light! I am out of the country until April so I'll not be able to attend services, etc. My thoughts are with you!

01/04/2023 12:53 pm

Hank Weber lit a candle and writes,

I met John over 30yrs when we were both Allstater's. We became good friends beyond the job and both shared a love of golf I will miss him, he was one of the good people I had the honor of calling my friend. Good bless the Watson family

01/04/2023 07:04 pm

Roy Behlke lit a candle and writes,

I am so sorry that John is no longer with us. I’ve know him since we played pickup basketball on the street in Deerhurst and baseball on the vacant lot at the corner of Murphy Rd and Concord Pike. I was delighted when he married my sister Colette - we had great times when they visited my wife Diana and I in CT and Florida. We loved visiting them in their beautiful house in “New Deerhurst”. Health issues prevent me from attending his funeral but he will be in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

01/05/2023 03:25 pm

Cathy Watson Key lit a candle and writes,

Sending love and prayers and sympathy to all the family. Such a good man as Uncle Johnny will never truly be gone, for he has left such a loving presence in our hearts. May your memories always make you smile and bring comfort to your hearts ❤️ (I'll never forget all the love and work and effort Uncle Johnny put into getting his brother - our Dad - inducted into the University of Delaware Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. He made all the arrangements to get Mom, Bonnie and I to the induction ceremony. And we so enjoyed the tour he gave us of the old neighborhood - where the Watson boys played and where Mom and Daddy met). God bless and comfort all the family in the days ahead. We love you ♥️🙏♥️

01/05/2023 06:34 pm

Janice Coughlin writes,

So very sorry for your loss. The Watson family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jan Coughlin.

01/05/2023 09:37 pm

Ellis Underkoffler Bonnie Underkoffler writes,

Colette, Ellis and I were so sorry to read about John's passing. He was one of the first people I met when we moved to the Village of Brandywine. We talked a lot about your home in Deerhurst and my growing up in Brandywine Hundred. He always had a smile on his face, especially when Olivia and I would stop to see Bridget or Bailey. He was interested in photography and spoke to Ellis about that and community concerns. As always, his family was a topic of conversation. He was a true gentleman and we were lucky to have known him, if only for a brief time. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come. Bonnie Underkoffler

01/06/2023 02:30 pm

Joe Ketzner lit a candle and writes,

Once a Knight, always a Knight. A loss will be felt within the Santa Maria Council, but his inspiration will live on through those he touched along the way. My sincere condolences to the family and his many friends.

01/06/2023 07:15 pm

Larry Gardner, PSD writes,

Rest in Peace John. Thank you for all you did for the Knights of Columbus especially your work in making the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace a reality.

01/10/2023 10:25 am

Susan DiFelice writes,

I’ve only known John for a few months. I am a Legion of Mary volunteer from St. Mary of the Assumption. Our group (other residents of Rosary group at Summit) just learned of his passing about an hour ago. We were all deeply saddened and shocked to hear. We all loved John. He was a blessed man who wore his faith on his sleeve and his faith just radiated from him. I think that I can speak on behalf of our Rosary group that John’s earthly presence will be missed terribly. We offer to you our condolences on the loss of a very special man.

01/10/2023 11:50 am

Abigail D. Greene writes,

Dear Collette ... There are many memories of John as a neighbor back in the "old "days. You both, and your kids, were a big part of our lives at that time. He was indeed a very special man and I remember being so glad when he accepted my invitation to join the Board of Directors of the Wilmington Senior Center. I also remember fondly when you two and the Diodatos and we were all seated together at Joyce P.'s wedding reception. That was such a fun time. Or hearing about how you always ate two holiday dinners because both sets of parents expected you to be there! I was so glad to hear about his work with the Parks' statue of Mary and think about John whenever I come off the bridge and see her there. You two were great parents and have a family to be proud of. I know that you all are supporting each other through these sad days. You must be comforted by knowing that he was a true believer and an example of what a good man is. Our thoughts are with you all. Gail Greene

01/16/2023 03:39 pm

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