Robert Bernard Watson

Robert Bernard Watson, 91, died Sat., Dec. 11, 2004 at CT Hospice in Branford. He was the husband of 64 years of Ann Goebeler Watson. He was born Jan. 31, 1913 on the family ranch in Grand Valley, CO, the son of the late James J. and Agnes Johnson Watson. Bob and his father started Watson Foods, Inc. in 1939 in Queens, NY. In 1986, the company moved to West Haven and Bob and Ann moved to Hamden. A master of formulations and baking, he worked at Watson Foods until 2001. He served in WWII from 1943-1946, including numerous trips across the Atlantic as an MP escorting prisoners of war to camps in the states. One of the first things he did the summer he moved to Hamden was to plant fruit trees, blueberry bushes, strawberries, a vegetable garden, and loads of flowers on the property. Everything grew and thrived in his care and he and Ann were generous in sharing the fruits of his labor. He continued to use his professional skills baking large quantities of Watson brownies, macaroons, pound cakes and cookies for Good Shepherd Church fairs. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons and their spouses, Kenneth Robert and Merleen Watson of Northford, CT, and Arthur John and JoAnne Watson of San Diego, CA., a brother John J. Watson of Easton, CT, and three grandchildren, Scott Watson of Rockville, MD, David Watson of Charlestown, MA, and Stephen Watson of Northford, CT. He was predeceased by two sisters, Agnes Watson and Genevieve Watson and two brothers, James Watson and Lawrence Watson. A funeral will be held Thurs., Dec. 16, 2004 at 2 PM at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hamden. The Rev. Derk-Michel Strauch will officiate. Friends may call at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM on Wed., Dec. 15, 2004. Burial will be in Centerville Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3680 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518 or to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.