John Porter Watson, Jr.

John Porter Watson Jr 71, longtime resident of O’Hara Township, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after a short illness.

John grew up in Pittsburgh where he attended St. Edmunds Academy before graduating from Blair Academy in Blairstown Township, New Jersey. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and had a successful career in industrial sales for C.A. Turner, where he served as vice president, and for Harris Pump & Supply.

John was a generous friend to many who loved animals, especially the Newfoundland dogs he raised with his late wife Ellen Jacobs Watson. A car enthusiast and past member of the Corvette Club of America, John also enjoyed skeet shooting, bowling, golf, and traveling to Hilton Head Island, S.C. Closer to home, he enjoyed his friends at Bob’s Garage and was a past member of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, the Longue Vue Club, and the Oakmont Elks Lodge 1668.

In addition to Ellen, John was preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Elizabeth Watson. John is survived by his sister Patricia W. Kammerer (Larry †); nephews John (Laura) Kammerer, Todd Kammerer, and John Patterson, Jr.; and nieces Amanda Brigman, Jennifer Laptewicz, and Suzanne Sanchez.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Burket-Truby Funeral Home, 421 Allegheny Avenue, Oakmont, PA 15139. Service and interment will be private.In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Development Office at UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or to https://nationalnewfoundlandrescue.com/donate/