Donald Gates Watson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Donald Gates Watson, 97, of Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Anita Jean (Adsit) Watson, also by his brother Elmer Ellsworth Watson Jr. and Margaret (Jergens) Watson. He leaves behind two daughters, Nancy and Sara Watson of Rocky Hill, and his nieces and nephews. Don was born in New London, CT, the son of the late Elmer and Mable (Dotzauer) Watson. He graduated from Chapman Technical High School in 1940 with strong woodworking skills. He went on to apprentice for a cabinet maker, creating beautiful Hepplewhite Dining room furniture, and then joined the Austin Pipe Organ Company where he built piano cabinets. When World War II broke out, Don joined the Army in 1943. He became a Sergeant in the 271st Battalion Combat Engineers, 71st Division under the command of General George Patton. His unit traveled the farthest East of all the allied forces into Steyr, Germany and liberated two concentration camps along the way. When returning home he began his career as an agent & financial planner for CIGNA. During his tenure he earned a membership into the Million Dollar Round Table and Hartford Underwriters Association. His interest in business led him to become the President of the Businessmen’s Association and one of the founders of the Rocky Hill Chamber of Commerce where he became President & served on the Board of Directors. He also became the Rocky Hill representative to the Governors of the Greater Hartford Affiliated Chambers of Commerce. In 1960 Don became very involved in the community of Rocky Hill. He severed as the Chairman of the Board of Finance, worked on the Town Charter Revision Commission for 5 years, and was a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission. He was elected as one of the last Town Selectman in 2015, at the age 93. For 45 years Don was a member of the Republican Town Committee, serving on the nominating committee and becoming Vice Chairman & Chairman. In 1988 he was named Republican of the year. For 15 years Don was Rocky Hill’s representative to the Connecticut River Assembly. He developed the Great Meadows Conservation Trust where he served for over two decades in various positions. He continued his support, working to protect the Connecticut River & the Great Meadows wetlands. Don was recognized for all of his service to the town of Rocky Hill & the nation when October 17, 2005 was declared Don Watson Day! Don & Anita shared a love of the sea. Together they enjoyed boating, fishing and sailing. He owned several boats, while also sailing on many others. They made several trips up the East Coast from Florida to Connecticut. Don joined the Hartford Power Squadron in 1949 and became a lifelong member. He taught boating safety and navigation, and over the years he held several executive positions. He was a Lieutenant Commander and an Advanced Pilot, holding 38 merit marks for leadership. Don also enjoyed the sport of Skeet Shooting and was an active member of the Rockville Fish & Game Club, becoming Chairman of Trap & Skeet. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 13 at 11:00 am in the Rocky Hill Congregational Church, 805 Old Main St. in Rocky Hill, CT. A luncheon will follow at the church in Chaplin Hall. His burial will be in Center Cemetery, Rocky Hill at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory may be made to the Rocky Hill Republican Town Committee, c/o 8 Knoll Lane, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or The Hartford Power Squadron, c/o 44 Copplestone Rd, Avon, CT 06001 Rose Hill Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. For online guestbook or to share words of remembrance please visit www.rosehillfuneralhomes.com.

Donald Gates Watson

March 27, 1922 - July 24, 2019