William J. Watkinson, Jr.

William J. Watkinson, Jr, of New Ipswich, NH, passed away March 13, 2023 at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Westborough, MA, after a period of declining health. Born in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late William J. and Olive (Rice) Watkinson.  He leaves behind four children: Alec Watkinson and his significant other Tracy Bombard of Webster, Dylan Watkinson of Greenville, NH, William Watkinson of Gilford, CT, and Rebecca Watkinson of Manchester, NH; his grandchildren Jessica Coushaine and her husband Charles of Rindge, NH and William Watkinson and his wife Christine of Winchendon, MA and his great-grandchildren Charlotte, Christopher, Wyatt and Elizabeth. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Elizabeth Watkinson.

Bill was raised and educated in Corning, NY.  He then went on to earn his Master’s in Education. He was a teacher for many years at the middle school, high school, and college levels. After college, he moved to South Dakota to teach Lakota children on Rosebud Reservation and later on taught Lakota children their native Lakota Language at Pine Ridge Reservation, also in South Dakota. He was passionate about the Lakota culture and lived his life by the Lakota Nation philosophies.

As much as he was a teacher at heart, Bill was passionate about the game of soccer.  He became a fan of both men and women’s Franklin Pierce soccer teams after teaching in Birmingham, England and watching the sport explode.  He went on to coach Jr. High and High School teams himself.

A calling hour will be held Monday, March 20 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm in the funeral home.

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