Robert Norman Watjen
Robert Norman Watjen, 84, beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend, passed away Wed., March 28, 2007 at the Hospital of St. Raphael. Born in Jamaica, NY, Dec. 18, 1922 a son of the late H. Herbert and Sarah (Sadie) Haussler Watjen, he served in the US Navy during WW II and later was employed in metal sales with Scovill Mfg. Co and several other companies for over 50 years prior to retirement. Bob and his family relocated to Hamden in 1960. He joined Dunbar Church in 1963 and was an active participant singing in the Senior choir. He also acted as Church Moderator and served on other committees of the church. He is survived by Ann, his loving wife of 56 years, his brother Herbert Watjen and his wife Genevieve, of Palm City, FL. and Leicester, VT. He is also survived by his daughter Mary Ann Watjen and her husband Christopher Larson, an adored granddaughter Hayley Larson of Asheville, NC, a son Robert Watjen and his wife Susan of Natick, MA. He also leaves many nieces, a nephew and many wonderful friends. He was very social, sustained old friends and easily made new ones. Playing a few sets of tennis with his buddies was his cup of tea. He also enjoyed golf, reading, crossword puzzles, sailing and gardening. The highlight of his "musical career" included his role as Daddy Warbucks in "Annie" at the High Lane Club. A Memorial Service will be held Sat., April 7, 2007 at 2 p.m. at the Dunbar United Church of Christ, 767 Benham St., Hamden. Interment will follow in the church columbarium. Arrangements in care of BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial fund at Dunbar United Church of Christ, Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, 37 Union St., New Haven, CT 06511 or the Alzheimer's Assoc., South Central CT Chapter, 2911 Dixwell Ave., Suite 104, Hamden, CT 06518.
Ann, my most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I feel very fotunate to have had the opportunity to meet and care for your husband. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. In sympathy, Kimberly A. Shea, RN (VNA of Hamden)
Annie, Much sadness goes with this condolence. I am truly saddend by your loss. My family loved the two of you very, very much. It was a honor to know the two of you and to get to hear the angelic voices the two of you were blessed with. Bob will always be remembered as a .true gentlemen. Much love to you Annie—- Love, Jeanine Aceto
Bob’s memory will linger for a long time in the minds and hearts of all who knew him. He and Ann were very kind to my daughter and myself when they passed through Scotland and took us to dinner. He had a wonderful sense of humour and winning smile. All best wishes and love to Ann.
From my earliest memories of Uncle Bob to the present the images that spring forth are ones filled with vitality, joy and warmth. He entered a room with a warm greeting, a joke and a laugh and could lighten up any situation. Holidays were filled with voices raised in song (both his and my Aunt Ann’s). I especially loved the talent shows at Becker’s during summer vacations when he and my father would put on funny skits. Although I moved away from home in my early 20’s I enjoyed many holiday dinners after that in New Jersey with Uncle Bob and Aunt Ann and always appreciated how loving they were towards me and my children. I am truly blessed to have had such a warm, loving uncle and miss his presence in this world. I am also blessed to have a warm, kind, gentle, loving aunt and send you, Aunt Ann, my love and support and gratitude for all you are in my life. May you find peace Love Linda
I will miss Uncle Bob very much. I loved him dearly.
Uncle Bob has such a big place in my heart. He gave all of us in the family his love, openly, and with great humor. I remember growing up and having wonderful times at holidays and Sundays together at our home in NJ or at Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob’s home in Hamden, or at Nana and Grandpa’s in Jamaica NY, where we would always play games after a big meal with much discussion! I smile thinking of this, along with the great times we had at Beckers together… and all the times since childhood that Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob would make the trip to Vermont, NJ, Florida, or the Cape, and even California to spend time with family. I always looked forward to seeing and being with Uncle Bob and Aunt Ann. I appreciate this so much, the extra effort they made to come visit and be with his neices and grand- neices and nephews who also love Uncle Bob so much. I will always remember his smile, his jokes and wonderful sense of humor and the loving relationship that he and Aunt Ann shared openly. He could lighten up any situation…not always easy with his brother Herb who loved to argue ( oh sorry, I mean .have DISCUSSIONS.)at the dinner table! I will miss Uncle Bob and treasure all those memories so dearly. And thank you, too, Aunt Ann for your love and support all these years. I hold you in my heart and share your sorrow and know it must be very hard for you to miss such a wonderful husband. I admire you for all the love and care you gave Uncle Bob these past few years as well. Take good care. With Love, Diane