John "Jack" Watzka

John A. "Jack" Watzka, 86, a lifelong resident of Kingston, died Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at HealthAlliance Broadway Campus. Born in Kingston, he was the son of the late Jack & Alice Murray Watzka. Jack was a veteran of the US Army, having served in the European Theater, in the 10th Armor division. He was an all star pitcher with Kingston High School and was inducted into the Kingston Baseball Hall of Fame. Jack played and coached various Kingston City Leagues baseball teams, and coached in the Glasco East Kingston Little League. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing archery, trapping and was an avid gardener. Jack was a homebuilder who built his own home as well as the homes of his children. He worked at the Hutton Brick Yard, Hudson Cement, Tilcon Quarry, Ulster County Building & Grounds, where he retired from in 1999. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edna Hutter Watzka of the Town of Ulster, two sons, John Watzka and his wife Carol of Hyde Park, Ed Watzka and his wife Denise of Port Ewen. Four grandchildren, Robin, Jason, Matthew, Gina and her husband Michael as well as several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his son, Michael "Mickey" Watzka and two brothers, Joseph and James (Bob) Watzka. Reposing at the Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave., on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 4-7 PM. The funeral procession will form on Friday from the funeral home at 8:45 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Colmans Church at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603-4027.