John Leavitt Watson

September 24th, 1948 - May 12th, 2024

After a brief but courageous battle with cancer, John Leavitt Watson, 75, went to be with his Savior on Sunday, May 12. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, John graduated from St Pete High School and USF with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Always industrious, John began working in elementary school as a newspaper boy and helper in the school cafeteria. He worked for a short stint at Honeywell during which time he worked on projects related to the NASA Atlas-Centaur and hand controls for space shuttles. He also helped his father build Romany Park, a 55+ mobile home park community. Managing and maintaining Romany Park was his life’s work and among his proudest achievements. One of his biggest joys was getting to know and interacting with the residents who came from all over the world.

He was a devoted family man who delighted in his children and grandchildren. He supported his children well in their education, interests, and future hopes. He was a wonderfully playful and engaged grandfather, spending hours role playing, playing hide and seek, or Facetiming. He loved learning and travel, making lifelong friends on almost every trip he took. He was a veteran of the US Coast Guard and active member of Hope Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Donna, his daughters Kim Steika (husband Nils Steika), Jessica Watson, and Robin Watson (husband Kevin McCarley) and grandchildren Elise and Benjamin Steika; sister Joyce Watson Nutta (husband Giorgio Nutta), and niece Francesca (Nutta) Scrimgeour (husband Troy) and nephew Marco Nutta (wife Mirai). He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Bill and Betty Watson and his brother Jerry Watson.

Visitation will be held on Friday May 17th at 1pm at Hope Lutheran Church (1801 62nd Ave St. Petersburg), followed by a Memorial Service at 2pm at the same location. A graveside service will be held immediately after the memorial service at Royal Palms Cemetery South (101 55th South St Pete).

During the memorial service, there will be a time where any interested attendees may share a favorite memory or thought. Additionally, should guests want to write down a favorite story, memory, or interaction or bring a copy of a favorite picture, his family would treasure those and will be collecting them in Hope Lutheran’s foyer.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hope Lutheran Church, MD Anderson Cancer Center, or the St. Pete Free Clinic.

We Entrusted John Watson's Care To

Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes

At Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes, we take pride in being the foremost full-service funeral home, setting the gold standard in compassionate care, exemplary service, and state-of-the-art facilities. Since 1952, we have dedicated ourselves to offering customizable memorial services that truly reflect the individuality and spirit of your loved ones. Our commitment to personalized service options is not just about honoring memories; it's about creating a meaningful and healing experience for families during their time of need.

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor John’s life with a heartfelt message.

Gladys Paz

🕯️ FLY HIGH JOHN WATSON, we are sure that your NOBLE and GOOD SOUL will be with GOD. You always were a very kind and honest person with all of us, as members of your Romany’s Park community. R.I.P.

Published June 8th, 2024

Patty Baker

🕯️ Dear Donna & family, I have been at Romany for 22 winters. I have many great memories of John passing bye in his truck always with his lovely bright smile showing. He was never too busy to stop & chat or discuss an issue. He nearly always had a joke to tell! I was deeply moved & saddened to hear of his sudden passing. He was the sweetest man I knew. I send you all my deepest condolences at this very difficult time. May his wonderful memory be a blessing to you all. Respectfully, Patty Baker #372

Published June 8th, 2024

Giselle LeBlanc

Dear Donna and family, So so sorry for your loss Romany Park was a nice place to be In the winter away from the Canadian cold Bob( late) and I spent almost 15 years In Romany Park! We loved the weather Surrounded by our Canadian friends John took care of us so good.. we were so fortunate To be in that park. Thank you for all the good times We had at your place.. John was a very kind,sweet and loving man He will surely have a nice place in his new home He really deserves it. My deepest and sincere condolences to a great man Sincerely, Giselle LeBlanc

Published June 6th, 2024

Pat Guild

So very sorry for your loss. Great memories from all the years that (Scotty) and I spent in Romany Park. He will be greatly missed.

Published June 8th, 2024

Gordon & Marian Albert

Hi Donna and family. Marian and I are sorry to hear of John’s passing. In all our dealings with him he was always attentive, concerned and courteous. We will remember his passion for sports and life in general. The past or ex residents of Romany Park as well as the current ones will miss him greatly and have fond memories of their interactions with John. Marian will miss making pies for him, especially coconut cream ones. Again, Donna, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Gordon and Marian Albert

Published June 8th, 2024

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