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Charles Watterson

Charles “Chuck” Watterson, 79, of Clinton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sept. 3 at Connecticut Hospice after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex.

To know Chuck was to laugh. His witty sense of humor, intelligence, and mischievous smile earned him lifelong friends in every aspect of his life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher, bartender, coach, and friend.

Chuck was born in San Bernardino, California, to Robert and Betty Watterson on June 8, 1944, while his father was serving in World War II. Upon his father’s return, the family relocated to Maple Heights, Ohio, where he grew up. He graduated from Heidelberg University with a Bachelor of Science. He later earned his Sixth Year Degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University, followed by his Master of Science from California State University, Fullerton.

It was at Heidelberg that Chuck met his future wife, Judith “Judi” Anderson. They were married in 1966 and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.

Chuck began his teaching career at Lakota High School in Kansas, Ohio, as a Science teacher and Wrestling Coach. After four years, Chuck and Judi moved to Connecticut, where he continued his teaching career at Branford High School for an additional 33 years. He taught earth science, chemistry, and math while also serving as a class advisor and coach of the academic decathlon team. He spent many summers working at Van Duren Supply Company with his in-laws and served on the Clinton Planning & Zoning Commission. In addition, he bartended at Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale for over 20 years.

Chuck enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in athletics and school activities. He never missed a game or performance and was extremely involved, becoming a swim official and softball coach and traveling around the country supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He enjoyed exploring, spending much of his retirement traveling and going on cruises. He looked forward to his annual trips to Las Vegas with his brother and parents and visiting friends and family along the way. Chuck was an avid sports fan, particularly following the Cleveland Browns, UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the Connecticut Sun.

Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Betty Watterson; his brother Jeff and sister-in-law, Gail; and his father and mother-in-law, Donald and Lisbeth Anderson. Chuck is survived by his wife Judi and their four children: Cathy Jones (Chuck) of Georgia, Laura Pimentel (Ryan) of Rhode Island, Andrew Watterson (Hillary) of New Jersey, and Dan Watterson (Aimee) of Connecticut. Chuck is also survived by five grandchildren: Alex (Jess), Bret, Robert, Kathryn, and Althea; as well as four nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rock Steady Boxing (www.rocksteadyboxing.org) or Connecticut Hospice (www.hospice.com).