John E. Watters, III, age 69, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2021.
John was born on February 21, 1951 in Somerville, MA; he was the cherished son of the late John E. Watters, Jr. and Gertrude (McNulty) Watters. As a child, John lived in Wilmington before moving with his family to Arlington, but he always considered Wilmington “his home”. John spent his youth in Arlington and attended Arlington Public Schools.
John married his “true love” and best friend, Diane M. McLean in 1975; the couple lived in the city for several years before moving back to John’s beloved Wilmington in 1982, where they raised their wonderful children, Michael and Erin. John always made his family his number one priority; he was very devoted to his wife and children and he would do anything for them. The family shared many wonderful years together; whether it was a holiday, special celebration, family vacation or just and evening “hanging out” they truly enjoyed each other’s company and had a lot of fun throughout the years.
John had a great work ethic, prior to retiring, he was employed as a drywall finisher for the Painters and Allied Trades DC 35 for many years. Always the friendly one, John, made many long-time friends at work, he was always willing to go the extra mile to help his fellow co-workers.
John was a “people person”, he loved to socialize and make everyone he met feel welcomed. His charming personality and “Award winning smile” made him easy to talk to and easy to love; people were just drawn to him. John had a large network of friends including the life-long Wilmington friendships he kept, as well as the many close-knit friendships he made over the years. John met a new group of people while camping at Bentley’s Campground; they quickly became fast friends and they shared many fun times while camping and made many lasting memories.
To say John was a “giver” would be an understatement; he was always lending his time and talents to anyone and everyone in need. John looked out for everyone whether he knew you or not and he always put his own needs last. He loved people in general and it gave him great joy to help his family, friends, neighbors or a complete stranger; just to make someone else’s life a little easier. John especially enjoyed using his Kubota equipment; when there was a tornado in the Brimfield area that required assistance, John was right there with his equipment ready to volunteer.
In his spare time, John enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle; he took to the open road on many beautiful afternoons, traveling to new places, meeting new people and checking out new sights. He also loved spending time with his family, friends and his beloved cats, whether they were at home or out and about they always had a good time.
John will be fondly remembered for his kindness towards everyone he met as well as his warm, caring personality; everyone who met him loved him. John was “one in a million” and great guy who will forever be in the hearts of those he touched; he will forever be missed.
John was the beloved husband of Diane M. (McLean) Watters, devoted father of John E. Watters, IV & his wife Jody of CA, Michael P. Watters of Woburn, Erin K. Watters & her husband Jason Blundo of Worcester and the late Nicole Francoise, grandfather of Elizabeth, Mark, Julia, Richard and David, dear brother of Beverly Duggan & her husband the late Jim, Charlie Watters & his wife Bonnie, Linda Fullerton, the late Patricia Duggan and Gertrude Winn, brother-in-law of George McLean & his wife Pam, Michael McLean & his wife Donna, John McLean & his wife Anne and Daniel McLean & his wife Charlen. John is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, January 14th from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St., (Rte. 38), Wilmington on Friday, January 15th at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Masks are required in the funeral home and church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children – Boston, Attn: Development Office, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.
My heart is with you and your family, my friend Mike. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. John sounds like a good man who lived a wonderful life.
I met John and Dee when my father was in rehab for his hip and John was in for his knee. I remember him as being a really good guy. I am sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the Watters family.
I’m soooo glad I got to know John while working at Bentleys Dee n John didn’t last as customers they became true friends quickly.
I heart aches for all who knew n loved John he will be truly missed but never forgotten…. why yes John I’ll take a mudslide ??????
My heart felt condolences go out to the Watters family!
Johnny was my best friend in the 1950’s. We started 1st grade together. I still have a lot of memories of us playing together on King Street. What a great person!!
My heartfelt condolences to Diane and all of the Watters family. I was saddened to hear of John’s passing. I will always remember that wonderful smile and his gentle nature. He had a big heart and would help anyone. He will be missed! Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. RIP John!
Long distance condolences from California. I’m so sorry for the loss of John. When I’d visit my dad, John was always coming over, offering to help or just to chat for a spell. A wonderful man.
Blessings,
Deacon Mark
Our condolences to the Watters family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. ?
Our condolences to the Watters family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Charlie I am so sorry for the loss of your brother John. My condolences to the entire Watters family. Rest in peace John
My condolences to the Waters family.Ill miss his visits on the beautiful bike every summer. Hope u catch up with your predeceased bud.
John you were familiar face in a crowd of strangers always smiling ways you always had kind words RIP John I am so sorry Dee and family for your loss we will miss John
John was truly an amazing man. I am so grateful to have known him through my life. My thoughts and prayers are with the watters family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed
To all Johnny’s family and friends,
My deepest condolences. He was exactly the man the obituary described, who ever wrote his obituary was spot on about the man he was.
I will always remember his smile and positivity always.
John was such a good and kind man. He made everyone he met feel like a friend. May your memories comfort you. You are in our hearts and thoughts Dee.
Mike and Family With sympathy and prayers. Cheryl
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family for your loss of Johnny. We were so sad to hear of his passing. He was a great person we will miss him always. He would do anything for you anytime. Our deepest sympathy with Love Frank & Wendy.
My deepest condolences to John’ family. While I’ve only know him for the last few years, I knew as a warm, caring funny man.
I truly enjoyed knowing him and feel blessed he passed through my life.
John was such a kind person. I can’t even imagine the loss you are all feeling. Dee, Mike, Erin – my prayers and thoughts are with you.
My condolences for your loss. John will be missed by all who knew him. He was one of those rare, genuine human beings. God bless
My hear goes out to John’s family. John was truly a giver, he was a wonderful kind soul who always made your day better.
I hope you find peace in knowing how many lives John touched.
Dear Watters Family,
My prayers go out to you. May your heartfelt memories stay with you now & forever. May John rest in peace.
Sincere regards,
Kathy Hickey
Beverly and Family. Sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. I was recently sorting photos and came across a photo taken the day Beverly and Johnny rode their bicycle built for two up to Wilmington. The three of us later cycled back to Arlington, adding my bike to the mix. Keep the happy and wonderful memories close during this difficult time. I hope it helps you all to know that others care about you and your feelings. May John rest in eternal peace. Sincerely, Jan
I just heard of John’s passing. We spent some time together as members
of Friendship Lodge. John was the guy to go to when sometime needed
to be done. He was a fun guy and truly enjoyed helping out when asked.
He and his Kubota done a lot of work for a whole lot of folks. I’m thankful
for his friendship. He will be missed by anyone who knew him
George Ross
So sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. I will always remember the good times we all had together. My thought and prayers are with you all.
Erin,
I am so sorry for your loss, I know how close you were to your Dad. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
Steven