Obituaries

John Patrick Watts, 65, of West Long Branch, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home under hospice care on Friday, March 28, 2025 after a long illness. 

John was born on July 13, 1959, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Thomas Cantwell Watts and Ann Marie Nowicky Watts. John moved to Bayonne, NJ, with his family when he was two years old. Upon graduation, John moved to Monmouth County where he met his wife, Mary Angela. They married on Saturday, June 24, 1989, and together they raised their four children in West Long Branch, NJ.

 To know John was to know two things about him; his sense of humor and his immense love for his family. John was a jokester, always quick with a witty remark, or doing his best to make those around him laugh. John felt that laughter helped to make the day lighter. He was able to lift the mood of those he came in contact with, using his keen and clever wit. He constantly brought a smile to the face of those he encountered on a daily basis.. He enjoyed sharing private jokes with his family, friends, and coworkers. 

John was exceptionally proud of his four children, Erica, Alissa, Chelsea, and John Dillon. He marveled at, and supported, their many accomplishments. He attended as many of their events as possible, often becoming hoarse after cheering them on so passionately. As his children grew, his pride in them continued to grow, astonished with their academic and professional lives. John was very proud of the young adults they all became.

Just as much as John loved his four children, his three grandchildren, Margo, Maverick, and Anderson truly captured his heart. They always made him so very happy. He chose the name “Papa John” as a grandfather, it always gave him great pleasure to be in their company. 

John leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Mary Angela, his daughter Erica Watts Smith, son-in-law Alex Smith, granddaughter Margo, grandson Anderson, daughter Alissa Watts, fiancé Scott Johnson, daughter Chelsea Watts Cichon, son-in-law Jordan Cichon, grandson Maverick, and his favorite son, John Dillon Watts. 

Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3rd from 5-7 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 4th at 10:30 am at St. Jerome's Church, 254 Wall St, West Long Branch, NJ 07764.