Obituary: Joseph F. "Jeff" Watterson Jr.—One Of Waterford's Finest

Waterford Police Department is mourning the loss of Joseph F. "Jeff" Watterson Jr., who passed away at his home in Waterford on August 19. 

Watterson, who was born in New London in 1942, spent a total of 40 years in law enforcement, first in New London, then in Waterford. After retiring from the Waterford Police Department in 2003, he went on to serve as a Judicial Marshall in New London Courthouse.

"It is with deep sadness the Waterford Police Department announces the passing of Retired Officer First Class Joseph "Jeff" Watterson, a twenty-five year member of the Waterford Police Department," the Waterford Police Department noted on its Facebook page. "Jeff served in the Patrol Division, and the Traffic Division for the Waterford Police Department. We will miss his straightforward, no nonsense attitude, and we'll also miss him always keeping the cleanest car in our fleet."

Watterson was an active volunteer at the former Oxford Hose Co. Fire Department, at the Women's Shelter in New London, and took it upon himself to maintain the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery on Rope Ferry Road in Waterford. Watterson also founded the Gatekeepers Motorcycle Club. 

His loss will be keenly felt by many, in particular, his wife of 42 years, Betty, their three daughters, and two granddaughters.

Calling hours will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. The funeral service begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, Squire St. New London, with interment in St. Mary Cemetery.