Obituary of Richard H. "Dick" Watkins

MOHAWK – Richard “Dick” H. Watkins, age 86, of Creek Rd., Mohawk, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, after a brief illness, with family members by his side.

He was born on July 21, 1931, in the Town of German Flatts, the son of Henry and Charlotte (Compeau) Watkins and graduated from Mohawk High School.  Richard was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the US Air Force SAC (Strategic Air Command).  On May 17, 1952, he was married to Betty F. Hisert, in Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, by Father Brennock.  Dick was employed as a Systems Analyst at General Electric Co., Utica for over 30 years, retiring in 1989.  Dick was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, Herkimer Elks Lodge and Morehouse Lake Club.  Dick was also Treasurer of the German Flatts Fire Commission for over 40 years.

Dick’s love of the Adirondacks, hunting, fishing and mushrooming was passed on to his children and grandchildren.  Evergreen Cathedral “Spires” mountains, streams and lakes will forever bring memories of him in their minds.  He enjoyed his home and gardens and spending time with loved ones and friends.

Surviving family members include his beloved wife, Betty, of 65 years; his daughter, Rebecca Volo (Vernon), of Mohawk; son-in-law, Edward Scouten, of Ilion; his five grandchildren, Michael Scouten, Jason Scouten, Jennifer Bull (Ronny), Erica Miscione (Paul) and Janelle Roginski (Steven); eight great-grandchildren, Zachary Champoux (fiancée, Kaila Booth), Michael Scouten II, Matthew Miscione, Samuel, Sophia and Silas Bull, Francis Mae and Eleanor  Roginski; his sister-in-law, Marsha Shahoud, of New Hartford; and many nieces nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Debra Scouten, in 2010; Parents; brothers, Paull (Emma Jean), Raymond (Anne) and James (Wanda) Watkins; sisters, Mary Baldwin (Robert), Ruth Stark (Paul) and Betty Shaut;  brother-in-law, Ray Shahoud; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and (Shirley) Hisert.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location at 102 West St., Ilion.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 4, 2018, at the Blessed Sacrament Church, E. Main St., Mohawk, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Leo Potvin, assisted by Sr. Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director.  Spring interment will be in Mohawk Cemetery.

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Dick, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com.

The Watkins family would like to thank the staff on the Neuro/Peds 3rd floor at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the staff on the Rehab Unit at Folts Home, Herkimer.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th. St., Erie, PA 16505.  Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

The Watkins family has entrusted Dick’s service arrangements and supervision to their cousin, Don Applegate, Funeral Director.  The family would also like to thank Don’s wife, Judy, for all of her help and assistance.