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It is with great regret and
sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Joe Watt, on 24
July 2025, in Monterey, CA.
Joe is survived by his
sister-in-law, Anne E. Watt; his nieces, Elizabeth A. Ackley, Kelly C. Watt, and
Debra P. Watt; his nephews, John M. Watt, Lawrence Watt, Timothy W.
Ackley, Martin P. Watt, and Michael J. Watt; his great nieces, Noel A. Watt and
Samantha L. Ackley; and his great nephews, Robert F. Watt III, Lawrence J. Watt,
John P. Watt, Taylor J. (Ivy) Watt, and Collin M. (Madalyn) Watt.
A church viewing will be
held at 9:30 AM, October 30, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 3901
Cathedral Lane, Arlington, VA 22203, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00
AM.
Burial will be at 1:00 PM,
October 30, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery. Attendees should report
to the Admin Building NLT 12:45 PM.
Condolences may be sent to
John M. Watt at 9138 Heydon Hall Circle, Charlotte, NC 28210.
In lieu of flowers, the
family requests that donations in Joe’s memory be made to the Superintendent’s
Endowment & Fund. Make checks payable to West Point Association of
Graduates and mail to Gift Operations, West Point Association of Graduates, 698
Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996. In the check memo section, please
designate Superintendent’s Endowment & Fund.
Well done, Joe. Be
thou at peace.
Remembrances:
Class Memorial Pages/L-2 Joe Watt.pdf
Obituaries:
Joseph
Francis Watt - Monterey, California
Born
January 9, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Francis Watt,
Retired passed away serenely on July 24, 2025. Family and friends had a
chance to spend time with him and share thoughts and memories before he departed
this life. Whether it was reading him excerpts from his favorite books and
exchanging friendly banter on everything from the stock market to politics, to
facetime calls and quiet visits with care, his last moments were filled with
love. Joe enjoyed the arts (classical music, opera, and theater), gardening, the
thrill of a great “thrifting “ deal, and sharing his passion for good food and
wine with his many nieces and nephews. Joe was most proud of his time in the US
Army.
“Joe” was born in the
Kensington area of Philadelphia. He was an excellent student with an aspiration
to expand his horizon beyond his neighborhood. Joe enlisted in the army two days
after graduating with distinction from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in
1955.
It did not take much time
for the Army to notice his potential. After scoring exceptionally high on the
Officer Training School Exam, he was recommended for enrollment in West Point
and graduated from this fine institution in 1961. Joe considered his time at
West Point as one of the most impactful experiences of his life. After
graduation, Joe had a notable Army service career. He was initially stationed in
Germany, then assigned back to the states at Fort Meade and Fort Bliss which led
to his tours in Vietnam. As Joe traveled the world in these early days with the
Army, his family in Southern New Jersey was his home-base whenever he returned
to the states. Once back in the US, the Army sent him to graduate school at
American University where he earned his master’s degree. Joe finished his
service at Fort Ord in CA and was selected to Command an Artillery Battalion
before deciding to retire in 1979. Joe was very humble when addressing the
medals he earned which included the Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and a
Meritorious Service Medal among many others.
Post retirement from the
Army, Joe joined Equitable Life Insurance as a Management Consultant in New York
City. He spent many enjoyable years traveling from coast to coast between his
homes in NYC and Monterey, CA.
Joe was predeceased by both
his father, Martin Edmond Watt, and mother, Elizabeth Mervine Watt; both
brothers, Martin J. (Claire) Watt of Williamstown, N.J. and Robert F. Watt of
Pennsville, N.J.; and nephew, Robert F. Watt, Jr.
Joe is survived by his
sister-in-law, Anne E. Watt; his nieces, Elizabeth A. Ackley, Kelly C. Watt, and
Debra P. Watt; his nephews, John M. Watt, Lawrence Watt, Timothy W.
Ackley, Martin P. Watt, and Michael J. Watt; his great nieces, Noel A. Watt and
Samantha L. Ackley; and his great nephews, Robert F. Watt III, Lawrence J. Watt,
John P. Watt, Taylor J. (Ivy) Watt, and Collin M. (Madalyn) Watt.
Detailed Funeral
Arrangements:
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, a
church viewing (9:30-10:00 AM) and mass (10:00-11:00 AM) will be held at St.
Thomas More Cathedral, Arlington VA. Immediately following the mass attendees
will proceed directly to Arlington National Cemetery for a formal service at
1:00 PM, where Retired LTC Joeseph
Francis Watt will be laid to rest with full military funeral honors and escort.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the West
Point Association of Graduates Superintendent’s Fund.
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