Obituary of Edward T. Watson, Jr.

Edward T. Watson, Jr., a 35 year resident of Sewell, New Jersey, passed away in his sleep  on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.  He was 63.

Edward was born on December 14, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA to his loving parents Marlene L. Watson and the late Edward T. Watson, SR. The oldest of 5, Edward grew up in Chester, PA during the turmoutuos civil rights movement of the 1960s. He would go on to enjoy a brilliant academic career graduating Valedictorian from Chester High School in 1975.

Shortly after he would go on to study Mechanical Engineering at Widener University. It was during this time where he met his life-long love, friend, and confidant in Michele Watson. Shortly after their graduations they tied the knot and began a nearly 40 year long marriage which resulted in his two beautiful children and a lifetime of memories cherished very closely by him.

He enjoyed a long career as a Professional Engineer specializing in mechanical systems beginning his work at the Naval shipyard where he continued to work until he was forced to pursue another career opportunity as his design engineer position was consolidated. After this, he would make his way to Bethesda, Maryland where he would work his way up to Branch Chief of Engineering, one of the highest civilian grades one could attain. He would oversee and design many exciting projects with one of his greatest achievements being the project manager for major upgrades to the mechanical systems of  Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He would go on to enjoy an early retirement at the age of 55.

Edward was a man who above all else cherished his Family willing to do whatever necessary to provide the best possible life for them. When he was faced with starting a new job in Maryland, 140 miles away from the place he and his family had called home in South Jersey; He opted to drive 240 miles, 4 days a week until he had retired. He demonstrated his strong resolve and work ethic sleeping only 6 hours a night in order to still have time for his family at the end of a long day of work and travel. Residing on his night stand was a quote by Charlie Brixton which illustrated one of his many admirable principles that he lived by “You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it”.

In his free time Edward was a devout man of Christian Faith who spent almost his entire life trying to understand and grasp the unknown. He was a man who in his later years loved nature, and the wonders of the sky. Often he got up with the sunrise to sit out with the family dog Bruno, who he loved. He was also a gigantic Philadelphia sports fan, a passion passed down and shared with his son. He also enjoyed watching  movies of all genres, always checking out the new movie additions on Netflix in his retirement.

Lastly, he was a man who loved music, playing the trumpet from a very early age. A passion reignited when he saw his young daughter playing on a keyboard. He couldn't help himself joining in playing his trumpet with her. From that point on he would carry a tradition of playing his trumpet everyday for 30 minutes no matter the circumstance, even bringing his trumpet mouthpiece as he recovered in a hospital room from a successful cancer removal surgery.

Edward is survived by his mom  Marlene L. Watson., he is the beloved husband of 38 years to Michele Watson (nee Tabron); devoted father of Rebecca Link (Brian) and Edward T. Watson III; dear brother to Michael Watson, Marlene Medley, Sherrod Watson and Ruth Ann Medley; loving grandfather to Emma Link.  Edward is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Lastly he leaves behind two family pets Bruno and Pippen who he loved and cared for dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life and  visitation on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 8:00AM in the McGuinness Funeral Home - Washington Township, 573 Egg Harbor Road. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00AM at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro.  

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to One Tree Planted.