Joseph W. Watson

Joseph W. Watson, 103, of Fairmount, the most honorable and decent man, passed away Saturday at Brookdale Summerfield. Born in Brooklyn, he grew up in Port Washington and lived in West Islip before moving to Syracuse. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW II. Joseph was a graduate of Erasmus High School, American Institute of Banking and Brown University. He retired after 43 years in the banking industry with Syracuse Savings Bank as V.P. and Secretary to the Board of Trustees and previously worked at Union Savings Bank of Long Island, Dime Savings Bank of NY and the Brooklyn Trust Company.

Joseph was a member of Fairmount Community Church, United Church of Christ and served on numerous committees. He was a former president of the Syracuse Lions Club and a trustee and treasurer to the Fairmount Library from 2002-2008. Joseph also was a member, since 1946, of the Aurora Grata-Day Star Lodge #647 F&AM, NYC and belonged to the Top Hats Dinner Dance Club for 40 years. He enjoyed playing golf, gardening, traveling, and especially spending time with family.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn, in 2016, who was the love of his life and whom he missed so very much; brother, Harry W. Watson, in 2005; granddaughter, Jenni-Lyn Watson in 2010; and grandson, Jeffrey Watson, in 2014.

Surviving are his daughters, Debra (James) Prusinowski of Camillus and Janet (David) Herrington of Watertown; sons, James (Janet) of Seven Hills, OH and David (Jackie) of Ave Maria, FL; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two nieces; and three nephews.

Joseph’s family would like to thank all his caregivers for their compassion and care during his time at Brookdale Summerfield. It was Joseph's wish to donate his body to science. In honor of his wishes, there will be no calling hours and a private funeral service.

Joseph will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.