Obituary of Michael Lee Watts

ASHTABULA – Michael Lee Watts, 70, of Plymouth Township passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 at Hillcrest Hospital. He was born February 18, 1953 in Louisville, KY, the son of Marion H. and Wilma Jean (Hamilton) Watts and had been an Ashtabula resident most of his life. A 1972 graduate of Ashtabula High School, he attended Ohio State University and became a lifelong Buckeye fan. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Iten Fiber and previously for Cleveland-Cliffs on the ore boats sailing the Great Lakes as a wheelsman which truly was his dream job. He loved spending time with his family, especially attending his nieces and nephews’ events. He recently joined the First Covenant Church after connecting with several old friends who were members. His survivors include two sisters, Antoinette (John) Beninato and Michelle (Jason Pildner) Laveck; sister-in-laws, Linda Watts and Deborah Watts; and many nieces and nephews who he cared for as if they were his children. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Brenda Watts; and brothers, Ronald Watts and Edward Watts. Calling hours will be from 10-11:30AM with a service to follow at 11:30AM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Pastor Ed Pickard with First Covenant Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Plymouth Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, OH 44004. Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com