Joseph J. Watts
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Joseph J. Watts, 61, of Strasburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023, in Lancaster, PA. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Edward Watts and Mary Metzger Watts.
Joseph was a 1980 graduate of Lansdowne-Aldan High School. A jack of all trades, Joe has held many positions. Among them, a laborer, security, landscaper, general contractor, driver, foreman and upper management. Although a Pennsylvania resident for most of his life, when his talents were needed elsewhere, he moved with his family quite far from their roots. He built a factory in Ireland, and remained there for a few years with his family, overseeing all aspects of the business, while his three children attended the same one-room schoolhouse their grandfather had attended decades before. Soon after, Joe was recruited to duplicate in Seattle, Washington what he did in Ireland. Once again, Joe moved with his family thousands of miles. This time in the opposite direction to build a factory and manage it for a subsidiary of the toy & game company Hasbro, Inc. His next move brought him back to Pennsylvania where he resided in Lancaster County and vowed not to move again. His work still took him overseas dozens of times, but he kept Lancaster County as his permanent home. Joe eventually settled down working locally at the Amish Village in Ronks, PA these past few years.
When he wasn't working, Joe was a family man, raising his three children, and in the later years spending as much time as he could with his beloved granddaughters.
Until work started pulling him away, Joe was a proud member of the finest Fire Department in the Philadelphia area, the Clifton Heights Fire Company, where he made lifelong friends.
Joe had an Irish temperament, that was balanced with his charm, wit, sincerity, and the knowledge that all who knew him, knew that he'd always have their back. Joe was an amazing storyteller and could weave a tale like no other, many of them true. When he could carve out time for himself you could find him visiting family, fishing in a local lake or in the Gulf of Mexico, watching old history-based movies, listening to music and usually whistling along, playing miniatures wargames with his son, brother, nephew, and friends, or sitting down with an ice-cold Budweiser with his brother-in-law and anyone that cared to join them.
He is survived by his children, Erin Watts, of West Caln, PA, Susan (Jeff) Reeser of Parkesburg, PA, Nathaniel (Katie) Watts of Leola, PA, grandchildren, Madelynn and Averi Reeser, and siblings, Edward (Leslie) Watts, Gerry (Emily) Watts, Donna Chernak, Mary (Joe) Marziano, Ann (Don) Toogood, Robert (Moira) Watts and Eileen (Hughie) Smith, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main Street, Parkesburg, PA, 19365, with a viewing starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences
Joe was my neighbor , my coworker and my friend
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe.
He was a great man. He was very caring and kind-hearted.
He was a very good friend to me and helped me a lot when I needed it. I could never thank him enough for all he did for me. And I really enjoyed having him as a neighbor and a co-worker and a friend. He talked about his family and his granddaughters to me often with great joy on his face when talking about them. He will truly be missed. But he will forever always be in our hearts.
Nate and Family
We were saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. We are praying for you to be comforted and that you will remember the good times you shared. Love to you all.
Joe was the brother of my
Joe was the brother of my best friend in high school. I remember many night at Eileen's sleepovers where Joe would tease us and make us laugh. He was alway welcoming and friendly to all of us. My he rest in pease.
Joe Watts Condolence
I was very lucky to work with Joe Watts at Amish Village for several years. Joe was truly one of the absolute funniest storytellers ever! Mark Twain #2! He was always so positive about things even when things were not going well. I can always picture Joe with a cigarette and a Bud and a big smile on his face. And, a jack of all trades, he truly was! Truly devastated to learn of his passing and very sorry that I happen to be out of the country and unable to get back home for his funeral. But, please know that I have Joe (and his family) in my thoughts and prayers and know that he will be missed. The world is a much sadder place without him.
I am so sorry to hear about
I am so sorry to hear about my co-worker, Joe and his passing. My heart truly aches for his family left behind to pick up the pieces. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the animals are the AV are wondering where Joe is too. As soon as they seen Joe hit the gate in the mornings, the game was on. He had the whole barnyard squealing for joy in the mornings. The animals greeted him every morning. He sure will be missed by many. Sending you all my deepest sympathies and condolences. The girls at Rutter's also send their condolences to your family as well. He was at Rutters several times a day sometimes.
-Jackie
(An Amish Village co-worker)
Wow
So so sorry to hear of Joe's passing He was one of the best working at Drexelbrook installing windows doing odd jobs for Bob Keates all around pleasure to be around. Most of all working with him at the fire house. Many late night fire calls watching him bum a smoke off the Chief. Problem was they were Lucky Strike no filters . He will be missed by all who knew him I know in my heart he is sitting at the table with our Lord. Rest Easy Brother you deserve it May God protect your family Joe
Fond Memories
I am sorry for the loss of Joe. I remember many of his stories that he would tell when I would come over to hang out with Nate. From when Nate and I first started hanging out in middle school all the way up until his passing. We always had to set aside a 30 min story time before we could get to war gaming. I loved the stories and the funny jokes Joe always told. I have many fond memories of Joe. Up until recently I didn't realize how much of an impact he had on me: the gift and joy of miniature war gaming. Through his work Joe has brought that hobby to so many thousands of people like myself, my brother, my other close friends and hopefully my son someday. For that I say thank you Joe. Tina and I send our condolences and we hope that the family hold on to the memories that made Joe so special.
Joe Watts
Sad to hear about Joe's passing. Haven't seen Joe in a number of years, but grew up with him through teenage years and beyond. He was a larger than life guy and have many memories of him hanging in the backyard of his cousins Jimmy and Peggy Jo, and being down at the shore in the summers. I'm sure he kept his zest for life, and I know he will be missed.
Joe's Passing
So sad to hear of Joe's passing. He will be greatly missed by both his 2 legged and 4 legged family at The Amish Village. Thoughts are with Nate, Susan, Erin and the rest of Joe's family.
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing
I met Joe in my Senior year of high school when I was dating one of his good friends. We spent many weekends with him over the years. He always made everyone laugh. He had such a big heart and was a fierce friend who always had your back. I got to see him him and have a long talk with him after his friend's mother passing a few years ago. Probably hadnt seen him for over 30 years and he was still that funny, great guy. I was so glad I got to see him again! I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I hope you know he was loved by many people. Your family is in my prayers.
sorry for your loss
Just wanted to remember Joe as a really kind funny boy who used to walk home with me after school. Sometimes we would hang out and chat a little. He always had a funny story to tell.
Wishing you all the comfort you need. Chris