John "Chick" Watson, the former Sunday Dispatch editor and publisher who saw his native Pittston as the "love of his life," died Thursday in Seattle of a heart attack. He was 57.
Mr. Watson took over as publisher in 1990 after his father, William Watson Jr., stepped down and the owners of The Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre purchased the paper, which his grandfather founded in 1947. Mr. Watson served as publisher until retiring in 1999.
Mr. Watson, a 1973 graduate of Pittston Area High School, was a passionate advocate for his hometown, his brother, Bill Watson, said.
Like a book
"I lost my brother, and Pittston lost one of its better sons. He was all about Pittston. That was the love of his life," Bill Watson said. "He covered that community like a book, the school district, politics, and that was a great contribution.
"He was never afraid to tackle a subject or a politician," Bill Watson continued. "If he felt there needed to be a debate, he'd tackle it."
Mr. Watson moved to Florida shortly after leaving the Sunday Dispatch to be closer to his mother. After she died, he moved to Colorado, where his daughter lived. Between spending time with her, playing golf and skiing, he worked part time at the front desk of a ski resort.
He next moved to Seattle to be with his other daughter. He worked at an art-exhibit design company for a few years before becoming a full-time grandfather to his daughter's two sons.
Many friends
Bill Watson said his brother left behind countless friends in Pennsylvania, but after reading the flood of notes left on his brother's Facebook page this weekend, it was clear he made many more as life took him west.
Lori Nocito, executive director of Leadership Wilkes-Barre, said John Watson's friends could always count on him. Ms. Nocito worked as the Sunday Dispatch's advertising director under Mr. Watson for 10 years, and she said he was a great boss and an even better friend.
"He encouraged others to do their best, and he allowed them to be creative, as long as the job got done," Ms. Nocito said.
Bill Watson said the family will hold a service in Pittston tentatively scheduled for July.
Contact the writer: chong@citizensvoice.com