Terry Watson

Ilion - Mr. Terry Philip Watson, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, 76, of Ilion, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, surrounded by the comfort of his loving family at the Wynn Hospital on December 11, 2023.
Terry was born in Ilion on July 5, 1947, the son of the late Lewis Robert and Anne Shedd Watson. He attended Mohawk Central Schools and went on to obtain his Bachelor's Degree from Northern Michigan University and his Master's Degree in Teaching from SUNY Cortland. Terry was employed as a Teacher with Little Falls Schools from 1969-1970 and then with Ilion Central Schools at Barringer Road Elementary, where he taught 4th grade from 1970 until his retirement in 2002. Terry (Mr. Watson) devoted the entirety of his professional life to the education and cultivation of the many young minds of his countless "Bobcats" at Barringer Road School.
Everyone dreams of meeting one person in the world meant only for them, on April 10, 1976, Terry was united in marriage with his soulmate, the former Carolyn Rivecca in St. Anthony's Church in Utica. They knew they had been blessed with life's greatest gift, a perfect union of 47 years, filled with love and respect.
Terry was an exemplary son to his parents in their later years and devoted most of his time to their care. It is through his hard work and dedication that Terry instilled these traits to his own sons.He sacrificed his own personal needs for the benefit of his family and provided wise guidance through all the challenges life presented. Terry had an all listening-ear and gave sound advice when needed. His sons are the men and husbands they are today because of the example he always modeled.
In his youth, Terry enjoyed spending time at his family camp on Fourth Lake in the Central Adirondacks.He shared these pastimes with his own children while hiking the trails, fishing off the dock and feeding the deer. His other passions included collecting a variety of clocks, always maintaining his property, enjoying his pool and going for joyrides in his many convertibles throughout the years.
Terry and his wife were a large part of their grandchildren's lives, lovingly taking care of them from birth to preschool, attending all of their dance recitals and sporting events as Amma and Gramps.
Terry and his family attended Mass on a regular basis. He was born and raised in the Catholic Church and his faith was strong and his love for God was unconditional throughout his life. He had a brother Bruce and a sister Lewanne, whom he loved dearly.
Surviving are his adoring wife, Carolyn of Ilion; his devoted sons and their loves, Robert Lewis and Adrienne Watson of Little Falls and Ryan James and Jenna Watson of Marcy. He will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Jack Robert Watson "his best boy" and Lida Marie Watson "his best girl." His siblings; brother, Bruce and wife, Karen Watson of PA and sister Lewanne Hughes of ME; his in laws, James and Anne Rivecca, Michael and Angela Pikul and Bruce Rivecca and many nieces, nephews, cousins, peers and his many students who idolized him as their fourth grade teacher.
He was predeceased by his parents and in laws, James and Netty Rivecca and brother in law, Bill Hughes.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 71 E. Main St. in Mohawk, with Father Thomas Babiuch, officiating. Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 15th from 4-7 pm in the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. Interment will take place later in the Spring in Armory Hill Cemetery.
Terry's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Wynn Hospital Emergency Department (Dr. Gaetano) as well as the Intensive Care Unit Staff. A special thank you to Terry's nurses, Penny and Vinessa, his physicians, Dr. Gesualdo and Dr. Leo Sullivan as well as Father Marian Pociecha for pastoral support and providing the anointing of the sick in his time of need. Thank you to Terry's primary care team, Dr. Porus Dhabhar and Kathy Lester, RN for providing him exceptional outpatient care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 NY 5S Mohawk, NY 13407 or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105, both of which Terry held dear to his heart.
My husband, even though we are no longer together, I will carry your love with me until we meet again in God's kingdom. "I will love you always and forever" with my heart and soul. Thank you Terry, for our amazing love story.
To leave condolences for Terry's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com