Frank A. Watson, 89, of Jensen Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Frank was the beloved son of the late Francis Fredrick Watson and Catherine Hesse Watson. He lived a life defined by service—to his country, his community, his faith, and his family.

Frank proudly served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserves, answering the call to duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his military service, he continued his commitment to public service as an officer with the New York City Police Department, where he served honorably for 18 years.

A lifelong learner, Frank pursued higher education after his law enforcement career, earning a master’s degree in social work. He dedicated this next chapter of his life to helping others, working with children through Queens Child Guidance and Teen Challenge, where his compassion and steady guidance made a lasting impact.

Faith was the cornerstone of Frank’s life. He was born again during the first Marriage Encounter weekend that he and his beloved wife, Florence, attended after 13 years of marriage—an experience that profoundly shaped the course of their lives. Together, they became deeply involved in the Marriage Encounter ministry, eventually serving as leaders and facilitating weekends for more than two decades.

Frank was a founding member of Cops for Christ and was an ordained minister. He was also a devoted member of Calvary Community Church in Jensen Beach. In 1997, Frank and Florence moved to Florida, where they quickly became active in ministry. Their first involvement was with Care Net, where they taught parenting classes and led Bible studies. They also devoted six years to volunteering with Safe Harbor, providing counseling and discipleship to individuals struggling with addiction until the program concluded. Additionally, they volunteered for many years with Mary’s Shelter, offering family counseling and leading Bible studies, and were honored with a volunteer service award in recognition of their faithful service.

Frank had a deep love for American history, especially the Civil War, and was an avid reader with an impressive collection that filled four bookcases. In his leisure time, he enjoyed painting, photography, and woodworking—creative pursuits that reflected both his curiosity and craftsmanship.

Above all, Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Florence; his children, Dr. John Watson and his wife Dr. Amy Watson of Hollis, New Hampshire; James Watson and his wife Ana of Tucson, Arizona; Thomas Watson and his wife Patty of Old Bridge, New Jersey; Frank Watson and his wife

Carrie of Jacksonville, Florida; Catherine Genna and her husband David of Queens, New York; Carole Goldstein and her husband Joel of Hopewell, New Jersey; and Florence Lee and her husband Daniel of Monroe, Connecticut. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great pride and joy in his life.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 5:30pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Calvary Community Church, 3401 NW Federal Hwy., Jensen Beach, FL 34957.  During the service, he will be honored with Navy military honors in recognition of his faithful service to his country. He will ultimately be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Frank’s life was a testament to faith, service, and devotion to others. His unwavering love for the Lord, his family, and his community leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, yet his family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.