Thomas Ernest Watson

Thomas Ernest Watson, a person of unbelievable stamina, wisdom, wit and kindness passed away at home in Ridgefield, CT at the age of 92 with family and loving caregivers.

Tom, an only child much to his disappointment, was raised on a farm in Zanesville, Ohio where he experienced the importance of hard work and strong practical family values. His father was Ernest DeWitt Watson, a WWI veteran, farmer and the Town Clerk and his mother was Gladys Opal Watson who worked as an Insurance Agency Manager.

Tom graduated in 1952 as an honor student from Zanesville High School. He carried his practical roots with him to Indiana graduating from Earlham College where the Quaker values of simplicity and integrity quietly anchored his unwavering character for the rest of his life. By any standards, Tom built a remarkably successful business career yet most likely you would not have learned that from him.

He was a deeply humble man who never boasted and even his own family rarely heard him speak of his business achievements. From Sales Trainee to VP of Marketing with the Brass Division of the Olin Corporation in East Alton IL in 13 years; he then moved to Olin's headquarters in CT as Head of all Administration.

His last position was as President of Specialty Services where he had to turnaround or sell seven disparate troubled businesses which did successfully. In his business career, he earned the name the "Velvet Hammer." Tom held a firm line and never hesitated to let people know when they stepped out of line but it was always delivered with a helping hand....meaning to coach not crush.

Outside of work he saved his softer side for those he cared about most. He was dedicated to his family and friends, treating them with warmth and kindness. After Olin, he and his wife purchased Miller Press, a commercial printing business in Jacksonville, FL. That business was eventually merged with another printing company. They sold their interest and returned to CT where he started a successful consulting business assisting family-owned companies in transition (Dapra Corporation being his favorite) and turnaround firms.

Tom certainly did not ease into retirement after consulting. Community service became his next adventure mostly within his now hometown of Ridgefield, CT. The Rotary with its motto of "Service above Self" was especially appealing and rewarding. The Republican Town Committee gave Tom an opportunity to not only work to elect local leaders but to help keep government accountable.

Tom was also a member of the Ridgefield Men's Club. Being a 63-year member of the Freemasons and achieving the distinguished honor of 32rd degree Scottish Rite Mason was a proud achievement of Tom's.

Tom is survived by Maggie, his wife of forty-seven years: his children, Pam Confaloni, and Paul Watson and his grandchildren, Jason (Angela) Confaloni, Jennifer Confaloni, Ashley (Sean) McLaughin, Ryan (Natasha) Watson, Abigail Watson and Natalie Watson and his great grandchildren, Miles Confaloni, Ellie Joy Confaloni, Raegan McLaughlin, Lincoln McLaughlin and Grace Watson as well as his brother in law, Ernie Paulick. Tom was preceded in death by his son, David Watson, and his ex-wife, Martha Watson.

And a very special and tender thank you to Tom's incredible, compassionate and kind-hearted caregivers who kept him very comfortable, happy and safe.

Per his wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service but a casual visitation time for family and friends to share stories and to remember Tom on Wednesday, June 24th at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield from 5 PM to 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ridgefield Fire Department which has been an unwavering and caring support for Tom and his family. Checks may be made payable to the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department, and/or the Ridgefield Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1739 - 6 Catoonah Street; Ridgefield, CT 06877.