BANGOR – Joseph R. Watson, 69, of Winterport passed away Feb. 13, at a Bangor hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born in Rumford, Nov. 8, 1937, the son of Irving and Margaret (Roy) Watson.

Joe graduated from Mexico High School in 1955, Maine Central Institute in 1956, attended St. Michael’s College, where he was on the second in the nation basketball team for small colleges. He transferred to Farmington State Teachers College his junior year, where he graduated in 1961, with a bachelor of arts degree in education.

He later earned his masters degree in administration from the University of Maine in Orono.

He started his career in education in SAD 21 and spent eight years teaching and coaching. He taught at Dixfield Regional High School from 1961 to 1965. He then served as a teaching principal at the Dixfield Grammar School from 1965 to 1969.

During the years 1961 to 1969, he coached high school girl varsity level sports. His ladies won many games in field hockey and softball. He was Dixfield’s first girls’ basketball coach. Over the years, he kept in touch with many of his former players and felt a part of their lives, as he was always invited to return to their class reunions.

He later moved to Winterport, where he spent 19 years as principal of the Leroy H. Smith School. He finished his career in Deer Isle-Stonington as their elementary principal for two years.

In 1990, he retired from education, but not to stay idle as the year he left Winterport, 1988, he was elected to SAD 22 school board, where he has served 18 years up to his death. He also served on the United Technical College Board and WCAP Board in Belfast.

He established the Winterport Recreation Committee, as well as being instrumental in getting the Winterport Park established. For a number of years he was instrumental in organizing a July 4th celebration at the park, along with a parade for the community to enjoy.

His love for his community was great, but even more so for all the students he encountered over the years and for the young people who continued to include him in their lives. He also was the recipient of many awards for services over the years, which included; Outstanding and Dedicated Service Award from the Winterport Recreation Board in 1980, Outstanding Citizen Award for Waldo County in 1982, an appreciation award from the Winterport Lions Club in 1986, Outstanding Service Award from the Penobscot Valley Junior High League in 1987, received an appreciation award from the Waldo County Extention Association in 1988, and Outstanding Citizen Award from the Winterport Lions Club in 1988, also a Community Recognition Award for Service from the Winterport Woman’s Club in 1988. In 1993, he was given the Unsung Hero Award from his Alma Mater, the University of Maine at Farmington.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jackie, of Winterport; two daughters, Deborah Hotham, and her husband, Dan, of Winterport and Kimberly Watson of Frankfort; two sons, Maurice Newland, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Winterport and Joseph I. Watson Jr., and companion, Kristy Wiles, of Frankfort; one sister, Margaret Tobin, and husband, Don, of South Portland; two brothers, John and Francis Watson, both of Mexico; he leaves his adored grandchildren, Ryan Brinz, Nick Hotham, Corey Watson, Dylan Leanne Hotham and Aaron (Bam Bam) Newland.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Although, he will be missed, we know, Joe will now be at peace with himself and the many loves he had will go with him. May God watch over him.