Norman Charles Watts Sr.

Norman Charles Watts Sr., originally of Geneva, Ohio, and living out his retirement years in Lake Placid, Florida, passed away on August 11, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with dementia and heart disease. While his family mourns his loss, they take comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended and that he is finally at peace.

Born on August 2, 1947, in Geneva, Ohio, Norman was the son of Norman George Watts and Mary Alice (Bates) Watts. From an early age, he developed a deep love for the outdoors. Whether playing sports, exploring nature, or simply spending time outside, he found joy in the natural world. As a child, he even created his own backyard petting zoo, complete with a black snake he proudly cared for. His affection for animals and wildlife would remain a defining part of his life.

That love of nature continued well into his retirement in Florida. Norman faithfully fed the wild birds that visited his yard and delighted in spending time watching sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, squirrels, and countless native Florida birds. These daily encounters brought him a sense of peace, contentment, and connection to the world around him.

Norman was preceded in death by his brother, Jay Perry Watts. He is survived by his siblings: Susan (Watts) Stuper, Ellen (Watts) Robison, Deborah (Watts) Sloan, Janet (Watts) Frano, and Timothy Watts.

He is also survived by his son, Norman Charles Watts Jr., and by a loving family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy:
• Lauren Ashley (Watts) McFall and her husband, Adam McFall, and their daughter, Winifred Luella McFall
• Norman Mitchell Watts and his wife, Mariah (Loveday) Watts, and their son, Norman Theodore Watts
• Zachary Andrew Watts and his wife, Makayla (Gangemi) Watts
• Ryan Tyler Watts
• Mikayla Dianne (Watts) Bailey and her husband, Lucas Bailey, and their son, Leland Eugene Bailey

Norman dedicated 41 years of his life to Lubrizol Corporation, where he served as a Mainframe DBA and SAP Super Administrator. His intelligence, dedication, and unwavering reliability earned the respect of colleagues and friends throughout his career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he also operated a successful remodeling business, transforming kitchens and bathrooms with the same craftsmanship, precision, and pride that defined everything he did.

Service to others was an important part of Norman’s life. For seven years, he volunteered with the Painesville Fire Department, serving as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Whether responding to emergencies or helping those in need, he brought a calm presence, a willingness to serve, and a deep commitment to his community.

A passionate boater, Norman devoted many years to the Ashtabula Power Squadron, a boating organization dedicated to promoting safe and responsible boating on Lake Erie through education and community service. His commitment extended far beyond membership. Over the years, he served in nearly every leadership position within the organization, culminating in his service as Commander in 1994. Through his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to boating safety, he helped countless members of the community gain the knowledge and confidence to safely enjoy the waters of Lake Erie.

Few things brought Norman greater satisfaction than the sense of accomplishment that came from hard work and mastering a skill. He was an accomplished woodworker who built multiple sets of kitchen cabinets and spent countless hours refining his craft. When he was not building something, he was often fishing, studying new techniques, improving his skills, and enjoying the quiet peace that came with being on the water.

Norman lived with purpose, worked with pride, and loved with quiet strength. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, craftsmanship, leadership, and perseverance. His family and friends will carry his memory forward in every story shared, every project completed, every day spent on the water, and every peaceful moment spent outdoors, a place he loved so dearly.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Norman’s life during a visitation on September 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at BEHM Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio 44041. Flowers are welcome for those who wish to honor his memory and share in remembering a life well lived.