Obituary of George Roland Watts

George Roland Watts, 84 of Gloversville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam. He was born August 27, 1925 the son of the late George James and Edna Mae Hurd Watts. He was educated in Gloversville schools and was a 1943 graduate of Gloversville High School. Mr. Watts served his country proudly in the United States Army during WWII and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.George bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic efforts during this time. On April 24, 1948 he married his one true love and soul mate, the former Josephine Zilka, who survives. He was employed as a steamfitter for the Steamfitter's Union Local #7 until his retirement in 1987. Upon retiring, he worked as a bus driver for the Gloversville Enlarged City School District until 2007. He also served as a past president of the bus driver's union. George was a member of the American Legion in Broadalbin, the VFW Post #2077 in Gloversville, the NRA and he served as the first Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Sacandaga Boat Club, of which he was a former member. An outdoor enthusiast, he loved camping, boating, hunting and fishing. He was also known for his rather dry sense of humor. Most of all, George was a true family man- he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything. He and Josephine did absolutely everything together, including traveling across the country. George will be very sadly missed. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters: Kandra Watts and Kimberly Dumas Mark, both of Gloversville; seven grandchildren: Cherith, Tirzah, Kayla, Sarah, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel; three great grandchildren: Alyssa, Isaac and Breanna; one sister, Audrey Sandner of Gloversville and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Monday, January 4, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St. with the Reverend Dr. R.W. Williams presiding. The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 3. Interment will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville with military honors. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Community Health Center of Johnstown, 2-8 West Main Street, Johnstown, NY 12095 or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave Gloversville, NY 12078.