David P. Watson

David P. Watson age 80 of Utica passed away on March 26, 2026 at the Masonic Care Community with his beloved wife Patty by his side.

He was born in Conneaut, Ohio on June 21, 1945, a son of the late Frank and Olive Esslinger Watson and was educated in Ohio schools. He served our country in the US Navy as a submariner from 1964-1970. On September 16, 1977 he was married to Patricia Macera in Utica, a blessed union of 48 years.

Dave was employed with several US Government Dept. of Defense contractors working on both hardware repair and software analysis. At one time he was the owner/operator of the Baskin-Robins Ice Cream Parlor in Utica. He also worked for several insurance companies. He retired several years ago due to illness from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Dave was most proud of his volunteer activities. He was a Nursing Home Ombudsman, and also trained therapy dogs first with Ben our 3rd welch corgi and then with many other dogs. Dave and Ben visited the residents at several nursing homes and they also visited the Utica Public Library and Remsen school where children would read to Ben without judgement. He also most recently manned the Masonic Care Community gift shop.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; his sister-in-law, Diane Williams, Maryland; his brother-in-law, Joseph (Ellen) Macera, Gansevoort, nieces and nephews in Ohio and Maryland. Several dear friends who were like family, especially the supper club, Terry and John Reale and Angela and Bob Ferdula, where for many decades they met, laughed, talked and shared all of their life’s experiences. Also, Paul and Sondra Emad who took care of our beloved 5th welch corgi Max while Dave and Patty were hospitalized, and lifelong friends Jack Coville and Kent Albertus.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 2 PM to 3 PM at the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica. Funeral services will commence immediately following visitation at 3 PM. Dave will be laid to rest in Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Dave’s name can be made to the Masonic Care Community, where he was a longtime volunteer and loved to help. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

David’s funeral service will be livestreamed from the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home Facebook page. Link is here (https://www.facebook.com/scalaroefaro). Please note, the live feed will not begin until the service begins at 3 PM. You do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream. Simply click the link to our Facebook page.