Michael J. Watson 1954-2025

Michael was known by several nicknames among family and friends, but the one he cherished most and was most proud of was “Santa.”

He was born Oct. 2, 1954, in Youngstown, the son of the late John J. and Rosemarie Darlington Watson. Michael was a 1972 graduate of Ursuline High School and was a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley.

A true “car man,” Michael spent his career in automotive sales. He began his career at Clyde Cole Cadillac in Youngstown, now Cole Valley Cadillac of Warren, and has continued work with them, along with Colonial Auto Sales in North Lima and Direct Sales & Leasing on South Avenue.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He deeply enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In his free time, he was an avid golfer, loved portraying “Santa” during the holidays and was a passionate fan of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. He was also a member of The Lake Club in Poland. After a round of golf, you could find him enjoying a good cigar and a glass of red!

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by a son, Erik McGough; a brother, John “Jack” Edwards; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Francis Fletcher.

Michael is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Shary Beckenbach, whom he married June 14, 1980; two children, William McGough and his wife, Dr. Amanda, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Kelly Cioletti and her husband, Matthew, of Brunswick; Erik’s fiancee, Heidi Wendt of Watertown, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Victoria, Jacob, Caroline and Abigail McGough, and Avery Cioletti; a brother, Thomas Watson and his wife, Lisa, of Dallas, Texas; a half-sister, Mary Snyder; sisters-in-law, Dr. Leslie Fletcher of Dallas and Margaret Edwards of Ocala, Florida; and six nieces and nephews, John Watson and his wife, Larkin; Elizabeth Edwards; Ryan Watson and his wife, Ashley; Alexis Willis and her husband, Rob; Ben Fletcher and his wife, Adrian; and Calley Fletcher and her wife, April.

Friends and family may call 4 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Fr. Edward Brienz Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material tributes be made in Michael’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or at www.stjude.org/donate.

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