John R. Watt

John R. Watt

HORNELL – John R. Watt, 88, passed away early Friday morning (Aug. 7, 2026) in the comfort of his home on Canisteo Street with his devoted children at his side.

Born in Hornell on Jan. 22, 1938, he was a son of the late Hugh and Lorena (Gams) Watt. On May 28, 1960 he was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to the former Anne M. Lisi, who predeceased him on Oct. 18, 2018, after 58 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his grandson, Tyler Davis; two brothers, Hugh F. (Eleanor) Watt and Joseph H. Watt; and one sister, Mary (Sal) Falzoi.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, John was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1955 and in 1956 he began his employment with the former Erie Railroad, and later with the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad. He retired as a conductor from Conrail on Jan. 23, 1999 after 43 years of employment.

John was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell. An avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed spending time at his hunting cabin with his sons and friends. He and Anne especially loved spending the winter months in Florida.

He is lovingly survived by three children, David (Nancy) Watt of North Hornell, Michael (Melissa) Watt of Mooresville, NC and Lynn (John) McAneney of Arkport, NY; four grandchildren, Dr. Michael (Nicole) Watt, Dr. Theresa (Brian) Jay, Hannah Watt and Allison Watt; three great-grandchildren, Natalie Rae Watt, Noah John Watt and Jack Mason Jay; four step-grandchildren, Caitlin (Tony) Fuller, Abbey McAneney, Morgan McAneney and Vincent McAneney; two step-great grandchildren, Cali Fuller and Gregory Fuller; one brother-in-law, Angelo Lisi and one sister-in-law, Joanne Lisi Hoffman; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. WEDNESDAY (Aug. 12, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. THURSDAY (Aug. 13, 2026).  Private committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hornell.

THE SERVICES WILL BE LIVE STREAMED AND MAY BE SEEN EITHER ON BISHOPDESANTO.COM OR ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF BISHOP-JOHNSON & DESANTO FUNERAL HOME FOR 30 DAYS BEGINNING AT 10 A.M. THURSDAY (AUG. 13, 2026).

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist John’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of John are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.