Joseph F Watters

Joseph F. Watters, 86, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away on March 1, 2023, with his son, Tim, and his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Jane, by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary Watters, his son, Captain Michael Watters, USMC, and his brother, Henry Watters, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; daughter, Terry Crews (Donald), of Cincinnati, OH; son, Tim Watters (Patty), of Middletown, NJ; daughter, Meg Rodriguez (Tony), of Edina, MN, and brother Reverend William Watters S.J.

Joe was born in Montclair, NJ and attended St. Benedict’s High School in Newark, NJ, later graduating in 1958 from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he remained proud of his service, and in his later years enjoyed hosting fellow Marines at an annual golf event and luncheon on the Marine Corps birthday. Joe lived many of his years in Verona, NJ, where he and Mary Jane raised their four beloved children. Joe was a fiercely devoted husband and father. He and Jane built a home filled with love, laughter, and a steady stream of visiting friends and family who were always welcomed with open arms.

As the owner of Hoffman International Inc, in Piscataway, NJ, Joe enjoyed a very successful professional career, earning the affection and admiration of countless employees, customers, and colleagues. Representing Hoffman in locations across the globe, Joe’s passion for travel and intense curiosity of other cultures led to friendships all around the world.

Some of the happiest years of Joe’s later life were spent in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, where he and Jane maintained an overflowing social calendar, enjoyed countless rounds of golf, and nurtured some of the warmest friendships of their lives. Always a community servant, Joe was delighted to also volunteer his time at the local Habitat for Humanity and Greater Tuckerton Food Pantry.

Joe’s Catholic faith was a lifelong source of great strength. He was a longtime member of both Our Lady of the Lake church in Verona, NJ and St. Francis Church on Long Beach Island, NJ. It was on Long Beach Island where Joe always found relaxation and fun. He loved body surfing in the Atlantic Ocean, welcoming loved ones to his home there, and sharing happy days in the sun with his family.

In addition to his beloved wife and children, Joe is also survived by the lights of his life, his seven grandchildren: Kelly, Grace, and Laura Watters, and Anna, Tess, Madeline, and Michael Rodriguez. He will be remembered by them for his unending kindness, playful humor, and deep gratitude for the people who filled his life and the simple joys that filled his days: a morning ocean swim, a perfectly crafted BLT, or a dance with Jane to their favorite Frank Sinatra song. His was a life well lived.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 13 from 10am-11am at St. Francis of Assisi Parish: 4700 Long Beach Boulevard Long Beach, NJ 08008. Mass will follow at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Loyola School at: