Howard T. Watson, Jr., 77, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on June 3, 2025, following a courageous years-long battle with metastasized melanoma cancer.
“Hal” was a beloved father, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, and husband. He touched the lives of many with his sense of humor, warm smile, curiosity, big hugs, and gregarious, outgoing nature. People called him many names, Hal, Big Watt, Doc, Halehandro, but his favorite name was Poppy. And if you earned a nickname from him, whether it was Sweetie Pie, Pete and RePete, Pennsylvania Jim, the Prom Queen, or China Jim, you were connected for life. He was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone. He had a gift of building community wherever he found himself.
Hal was born in Philadelphia, PA, to Howard T. Watson, Sr., and Louisa Watson (nee White), on May 3, 1948. He grew up in Runnemede, NJ, where he met the love of his life, Katheen (nee Dever). They began dating at 15 and the rest as they say is history. They were married in the Summer of 1968, and promptly moved to Augsburg, Germany.
After graduating from Triton High School in 1967, Hal proudly enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in the Vietnam War as a member of the 4th Infantry Division with the Pink Team and Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol units, earning multiple decorations and awards. After returning from combat as a Recon Sargeant, Hal and his new bride moved to Deptford, NJ, where he worked as a boilermaker and started raising his young family. Soon after, he began a decades-long career with Mobil Oil at the Paulsboro, NJ, refinery, becoming a founding member of the Mobil Lube Plant. Always one to involve himself in his community, he coached his sons in various youth sports (Oak Valley Vikings, Oak Valley Youth Basketball, etc.), and volunteered on the Board of Directors of the Fort Billings Federal Credit Union for over 23 years (14 as President), hosting many of their memorable annual parties and events.
After retirement, he and Kat moved to Sunset Beach, NC, to a golf course community Sandpiper Bay. He often volunteered at major golf events, including Monday at the Masters Golf Tournament, for which he was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Years later, they relocated to Vero Beach, FL. In addition to spending many afternoons on the golf course and at the club house, Hal enjoyed beach walks, hosting friends and family, and of course watching his beloved Philadelphia Eagles (finally) win a couple of Super Bowls (including one while his whole family celebrated his and Kat’s 50th wedding anniversary in Punta Cana). He loved being able to stream the many games and activities his grandchildren perform in, even if he couldn’t always figure out how to hear them. Most recently, Hal was a proud and dedicated volunteer at the U. S. Navy UDT/Seal Museum in Fort Pierce, FL, where he enjoyed meeting fellow Vietnam War Veterans and “Welcoming Them Home.”
Hal is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Kat; his children, Howard III “Chip” (Helen-Ann), Todd (Kelli), and Erik (Shae); his grandchildren Max, Haley, Utah, Liam, Koraline, and Mackenzie; his sister Martha; and multiple nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard, Sr. and Louisa.
In lieu of flowers, please wear sunscreen and see your dermatologist regularly. Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservice.com. All future services will be in private.