Robert Watson

Robert L. Watson Sr.

Robert L. Watson Sr., 76, of Greenburgh, New York, passed away on April 30, 2026. He was born December 5, 1949 in Humboldt, Tennessee, the son of Frances Anna Belle (Mays) Watson and A,L. Watson.

Robert graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1969, then went on to Olivet College, Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University, earning his degree in Business. Robert also enlisted in the United States Airforce. He was always passionate about education and was very intelligent, informed and opinionated, which ignited his passion for debate. He was in pursuit of his PhD and planned to defend his dissertation within the next year.

Robert married Dorothy Jean (Short) Watson on August 18, 1973. They were married for thirty four years, until the passing of Dorothy in 2007. Together, they built a beautiful life in Michigan where their daughter, Cherika (Watson) Johnson was born. They later moved to New York where their son Robert L. Watson Jr. was born.

Robert put his degrees to work, pursuing a career at Post Cereals and eventually working his way up to Senior Purchasing Manager at Kraft Foods. He was an entrepreneur, creating his own businesses. He owned a beauty supply store and went into business with his brother Donald in 2009, establishing Faith Community, a group home for adults.

Robert had many interests. He loved catching swordfish while deep-sea fishing, vacationing at resorts in different countries, and spending time with his grandsons. A great passion of his was camping with his youngest grandson, Jordan. They would camp with the Boy Scouts in any kind of weather, enduring the elements and creating lifelong memories.

Robert was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and First Community Baptist Church in White Plains. He has always been a man of faith, regularly involved in the church and eventually became Vice Chairman and Deacon at First Community Baptist Church.

His loved ones remember him most for his sense of humor. Robert was quick-witted and always came up with nicknames for his loved ones that stuck with them forever.

Remaining to cherish Robert’s memory are his grandson, Jordan, his siblings Tressie, Brenda, Emma and Donald, and his many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Robert in death are spouse, Dorothy; children, Robert and Cherika; grandchildren, Javaughn and Jaden; parents, Frances and A.L.; brothers, Willie, Cozel and Ricky; and sister Debra.

Services to honor Robert Watson will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church, Cousin Way, White Plains, New York. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Findley Drive, Albion, Michigan, with interment to follow at Albion Memory Gardens, 26905 B-Drive South, Albion, Michigan

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