Raymond F. Watson

Raymond F. Watson, Sr., 82, longtime resident of Livingston, NJ passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018. Born in Elizabeth, NJ to Henry and Florence Watson. Ray was a retired steamfitter for Local 475. He worked many years in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration business as a jobsite foreman. He was raised in Roselle and East Orange, NJ and spent a lifetime of summers at his family’s home in Bradley Beach, NJ where he cultivated a love of the ocean and fishing. When he wasn’t fishing on the Angler out of Sandy Hook Bay, he spent his time tinkering with tools in his basement or yard, fixing, designing, and creating all sorts of things. He enjoyed feeding the birds and built birdhouses and feeders. He was also an avid gardener, taking great care to plan out visually pleasing flower displays each spring and summer and growing fresh vegetables to eat. Ray was generous with his time and knowledge, often helping his family, friends, and neighbors with different projects in their homes. Ray was a founding member of the Crescent Road Block Picnic and is remembered for inventing fun games for the neighborhood kids and as the crafter of the famous North vs. South Volleyball trophy. He will be remembered as a quiet and humble man who loved his family and friends.

Ray was the loving and devoted husband of the late Joan M. Watson. He is survived by their three children, Kathleen Vincent and her husband Domonick of Little Falls, Lauren Damurjian and her husband Kenneth of Brick, and Raymond F. Watson, Jr. of Livingston and partner Lori Montanye; grandchildren Ryan and Jenna Vincent, as well as Diana and the late Zachary Damurjian. He also leaves siblings, Claire Honeker of Mendham, NJ, Robert Watson of Union, NJ and William Watson of Branchburg, NJ. He was predeceased by his sister Nola Murray and was a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 11, from 4 - 8 PM at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, NJ. Entombment will be held on Saturday, May 12, at 11:30AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sandy Hook Foundation 84 Mercer Rd. Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 [email protected]