GIRARD - Martin J. "Marty" Watts, 57, of Girard, passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at his home.
He was born Dec. 11, 1954, in Youngstown, the son of the late Luke M. and Anne M. Christopher Watts.
As a 1973 graduate of Girard High School, Marty later returned to work for the Girard City Schools as the head of the maintenance department, having served for 25 years. He was a devoted caretaker of the schools and their respective facilities. He specialized in devising creative designs for the football field.
Article Photos
Watts
Marty proudly served in the U.S. Army's second armored division, receiving an honorable discharge in 1975. He was a member of St. Rose Church in Girard.
Marty was an active member and supporter of all veterans' organizations, the Animal Welfare League and the Girard Relay for Life.
He is survived by two sons, Luke M. (Holly) Watts of Boardman and Matthew G. Watts of Girard; two brothers, Thomas (Renee) Watts of Girard and Richard Watts of Girard; two sisters, Kathleen Kocan of Pittsburgh and Janice (Pete) Debevc of Ashtabula; and a granddaughter, Taylor Madison Watts, with whom he loved spending time. A second granddaughter, Kylie Nicole Watts, is due around Christmas time.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Deborah L. Hrun Watts, whom he married Dec. 3, 1977, and passed away Sept. 18, 2011. Marty and Debbie are now reunited eternally in the kingdom of Heaven.
Known affectionately to his close friends and family as "Dart," Marty was an avid Cleveland sports fan, particularly of the Cleveland Browns.
To honor Marty, and in place of calling hours, an open memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Rose Church in Girard. Friends and family are encouraged to don brown and orange (colors of the Cleveland Browns) as tribute to Marty's legacy.
Interment will be in Girard City Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to Blackstone Funeral Home.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any monetary contributions be made to Girard City Schools, c/o Deb and Marty Watts Music Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made directly to the Girard City Schools Treasurer's Office, located at 704 E. Prospect St., Girard, OH 44420. A scholarship will be awarded to a Girard High School senior each year who exemplifies the characteristics of Marty and Deb's life and shares their passions for music.
The family would also like to thank the entire community of Girard of which Marty was a very proud member, as well as friends and families from surrounding communities for their love and support.
Sincere thanks to the nurses, caregivers and volunteers at Hospice of the Valley for the comfort and care given to Marty.
Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the Watts family.
(special notice)