SOUTHAMPTON – Robert J. Watson, 83, (1942-2026) of Southampton MA passed away on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Holyoke MA, on November 5th, 1942, to the late Joseph and Evelyn (Mahoney) Watson.
One of five children, Bob, was raised in Holyoke and later Easthampton. He graduated from Easthampton High School in 1961 where he honed his love of sports playing soccer, basketball and baseball. In 1965, Bob married the love of his life, Denise, and together they raised three children in Southampton. With great dedication and diligence, Bob supported his family working in metal fabrication at Digital Equipment Corporation in Westfield and Phillips Manufacturing in Easthampton before retiring in 2007.
Bob was a communicant of Notre Dame Church in Easthampton and upon its closing was pleased to join the community at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Westfield where he volunteered with the Take and Eat meals program. He was also a longtime member of the Easthampton Knights of Columbus serving on many charitable initiatives. Bob enjoyed outdoor activities throughout his life including fishing, golfing, biking and walking. He also followed a variety of sports and especially enjoyed high school and college athletics. He was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame University football and had the opportunity to attend several games in South Bend IN. He also loved attending Hampshire Regional HS baseball games. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling and frequently recounted memories of family trips to Washington DC, San Francisco CA, Bermuda, Maine, and Cape Cod.
Bob was a humble man of deep faith and love of family. He was admired for his keen memory and loved for his friendly smile and generous spirit. He was respectful, kind, and polite to everyone around him until his last moments. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and delighted in and supported their varied interests and accomplishments.
Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, he is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Denise (Dauphinais) Watson of Southampton, his loving children, Amy Campbell and her partner Lisa Woods of Northampton, Andrew Watson and his wife Christine of Lenox and Lisa Norris and her husband Karl of Westhampton, his cherished grandchildren, Erin Morrissey (Kyle), Noah Watson (Taylor), Gregory Norris and Austin Norris and great-grandchildren, Mason and Paige Morrissey. He is also survived by siblings Judith MacIntyre, Peter Watson, and Kim Watson and many nieces, nephews and friends. A brother, Joseph Watson predeceased him.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at the Firtion Adams Funeral Services, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. A Funeral Mass for Robert will be held on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield followed by burial in St. Brigid’s Cemetery, 33 Adams Street, Easthampton, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Robert’s name directed to Friends of the Southampton Council on Aging, P.O Box 534, Southampton, MA 01073 or Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church, P.O Box 489, Westfield, MA 01085. For online condolences, please visit www.firtionadams.com
