Robert L. Watts

Robert L. Watts Jr., beloved husband, father, musician, and friend, passed away on February 19, 2025, at Cornerstone Hospice Care in The Villages, Florida, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. He was a couple days shy of his 80th birthday. 

Born on February 22, 1945, in Watertown, New York, Bob was the son of Robert L. Watts and Kathleen (Kay) B. Watts. Growing up, he surrounded himself with music, which would become the heartbeat of his life. Bob attended local schools and later pursued studies at SUNY Potsdam, where he embraced his passion for music, much to his father's chagrin. 

Robert married Carol DeShane on September 21, 1968 and together they made an unstoppable team. Carol was just the spark that Bob needed, supporting his pursuit of furthering a talented musical career. 

A gifted musician, Bob’s talents spanned multiple instruments, including the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He was a force in the vibrant music scene across the Northeastern United States, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Bob was a member of The Vibrations and also played with various other bands, including Ed Wool and the Nomads, the South Shore Road Band, and Love Street. His musical journey continued with the talented Mark Chauvette in the duo Chauvette and Watts, captivating audiences for over a decade. Eventually overlapping into Florida when he moved to Mount Dora, he shared his passion for music through the duo A Touch of Gray from 2003 to 2013 with his great friend, Pinky Soluri, and later led Bob Watts Entertainment from 2011 to 2019.

Bob’s talents extended far beyond music. He proudly served in the Army Reserves for eight years and dedicated his professional life to technology and education. He worked with the Narcotics Guidance Council and later became the Head of Technology at Jefferson-Lewis BOCES and Jefferson Community College. There, he also taught music appreciation and inspired countless students to share in his love of song.

A loving and kind-hearted man, Bob cherished his relationships with family and friends. He had a zest for life that was evident in his many hobbies, including fishing, golf, and photography. He was an avid collector of cameras, capturing life's beautiful moments. In later years, Bob also enjoyed watching basketball and football, finding joy in experiencing games with family.

Robert L. Watts Jr. leaves behind a legacy of music, laughter, and love. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, his son, Robert L. Watts III, his daughter Julie A. Ploss with husband Chad E., and grandsons Ethan and Logan Ploss. Bob has a sister, Kathy, and a sister in-law and brothers in-laws along with nieces and nephews who honor him. He also leaves a wide circle of friends who will always remember him for his generous spirit and infectious enthusiasm for life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob's memory to HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community (www.harmonny.org )which aims to provide access to performing arts resources in Northern New York. Through educational opportunities, programs, and resources such as an Instrument Lending Library, access to the performing arts is made possible. This is an organization that Bob would definitely support. 

Arrangements are with D.L Calarco Funeral Home in Watertown, NY. A private graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown, will be held at a later date, at the discretion of Bob’s family.  He will be deeply missed, but Bob will be forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.

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