Martin Watterson

Martin Dunn Watterson passed away on August 9, 2017 at the age of 93. He was born on May 23, 1924, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Hilary D. and Anne C. Watterson, an architect and a schoolteacher. He was predeceased by his younger and only brother, Alfred. Marty was married to his late wife, Barbara (nee Bossart) for nearly 60 years. He is survived by his three children, Tim Watterson, Betsi Tynan, and Bob (Michelle) Watterson. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Keil Tynan, Bridget (Matt) Stouffer, Ben and Grace Watterson. Marty was devoted to his wife and children. He also thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren. Marty and Barbara had a great life together, had many lifelong friends, and an active social life that included playing in several Bridge clubs, traveling, and winters in Florida. Martin and Barbara were members of St. Sebastian Church for 40 years, where Marty served as an usher. Marty served three years in the Army during WWII as a Sergeant in the 71st Infantry Regiment 44th Divsion in Central Europe. He was at home for a month with plans to be sent to the Pacific theatre when VJ Day came. Since he was one of the few in his unit who could type, he was instead sent to Denver to type discharge papers for six months at the end of the war. He had some great stories to tell. Marty also took up flying while in the Army and loved to talk about the early days of aviation. He introduced Barbara to flying on a bad weather day, which caused her to quickly lose any potential interest. He kept a wooden propeller in his bedroom that his flying club used before they switched to aluminum propellers. After returning from the Army, he initially enrolled in air traffic control school but was strongly convinced by his mother to attend the University of Pittsburgh. Due to late enrollment, the only available classes were for third and fourth-year students. A chance meeting at his flying club with a head hunter led to the beginning of his career. Marty and Barbara relocated to Akron in 1953 where he began his sales career. Marty sold electrical industrial equipment to small and large companies throughout Northeast Ohio after receiving his training in Connecticut for one year. His career combined being out on the road working with many people and organizations, in a challenging technical area, and made for a very fulfilling career in sales. He retired in 1984 from Challenger Electric Equipment Company. After his retirement, Marty joined Council 547 of the Knights of Columbus, serving two terms as Grand Knight. In his later years, Marty enjoyed playing golf and Bridge. He enjoyed the friendships of the 28 members of his Tuesday-Thursday golf league, which he participated in until age 84. He was also an avid reader and could talk about any subject. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed taking his family out on his 16-foot Racing Scow. In his eighties, he spent several years sailing on Lake Erie with a friend. He lived for almost three years at the Village at St. Edward where the other residents soon became family to him. He enjoyed going on many outings and playing pool and Bridge. He wanted to play Bridge into his late 90s as many of his friends did. Despite two bad falls, Marty had very good health until the fall of 2016. He soldiered through difficult treatments for his cancer nonetheless, always remaining optimistic. Dad was a very kind, caring, and amiable man and was well-liked and respected by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Hospice Care Center or The Village of St. Edward. The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and health care professionals who provided such great care to Dad these last few years, including Senior Helpers and the Justin P. Rogers Hospice Care Center on the last days of his life. The family will receive friends Saturday August 12, 3-5 pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd., Copley. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday August 14, 11:00 am at The Village of St. Edward Chapel, 3125 Smith Rd. Private interment in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.