Howard "Sam J. Watson

Biddeford

Howard "Sam" J. Watson passed away on August 16, 2025, at the age of 76.

He grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, moved to Saco, and graduated in 1967 from Thornton Academy. Shortly after, he married his wife, Nancy, and they moved to Biddeford.

Having children who were involved with athletics, he quickly became a Tiger fan and dedicated years of service to the Biddeford Athletic Association. There he came up with the idea to paint the paw on the 50-yard line at Waterhouse field in the early 90s. He enjoyed watching football and softball. You could catch him on game days, sitting in his chair in front of the TV with a drink in his hand.

Sam loved to talk to anyone who would listen. He had a passion for cars and enjoyed making trips to Oswego and other tracks in New England to watch the races, often talking his way into the pit and making friends along the way.

Sam spent his career as an NDT engineering technician taking great pride in his work and later retiring from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Sam was proceeded in death by his parents, James Howard and Marcel Watson; sisters, Ellen Davidson Watson-Sack and Anne Marie Watson; pets Sophie and Lucy who were eagerly awaiting his arrival at rainbow bridge.

Sam is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years Nancy; his children, Jennifer and son-in-law Eric of Saco, Maine, Elisabeth and son-in-law Jason of Patchogue, New York; grandsons Braeden and J.J.; granddaughters Kierra and Taya, brother-in-law Tom and his wife Tena as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private for family. Please consider making a donation in his name to: K9s For Warriors at www.k9sforwarriors.org

To view Sam's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com.