Anthony Watt (Tony), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at home under Hospice care, at the age of 82. Born in Ottawa, Canada, Tony completed high school and his first year of college there. He met and dated the love of his life, Adele Bienvenu (Dee), for three years, then followed her and her family to Lafayette, Louisiana.

Dee’s father, a Captain in the U.S. Navy, was assigned as Naval Attache to Canada, and worked at the embassy in Ottawa. Tony and Dee enjoyed a robust social life there, including going to lush parties hosted by children of diplomats from other countries. He often told the story of a whirlwind of parties every day of the Christmas holidays one year! He was an avid skier, and their first date (and many thereafter) was skiing in nearby Quebec province.

They married in Louisiana and had one daughter, Stephanie Grey. He also leaves behind grandchildren Julie Garcia and Brad Garcia, and great grandchildren Cameron and Caden. Becoming a U.S. Citizen was important to Tony, and he took great pride accomplishing that in 1975.

After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tony went on to receive his MBA at Syracuse University. He had great leadership skills and was elected as President of the Business Graduate Students. Hired by Owens-Illinois, he had a great career there in finance, sales and marketing. Starting in Toledo, OH, he and his family moved to Cincinnati, OH, Libertyville, IL, San Mateo, CA, Lake Bluff, IL, Pittsburgh, PA, where Tony retired from O-I. He then worked for another plastics company in New Jersey.

Moving to Memphis, TN where Dee received a career promotion, he worked for American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and helped clients with financial planning, then trained newly hired advisors. He received a President’s Recognition Award from the President and CEO of the company for his high-quality service. They both retired in 2000 and moved to Naples, FL.

Tony had many interests. After his MBA, he went to one year of cabinet making school in the evening, where he built master bedroom furniture out of black walnut that has lasted all these years. He also built the cabinetry in his study in Naples. Tony then went to auto mechanics school for one year where he learned everyday skills but also resulted in the purchase of a 1963 Austin Healey, which he worked on restoring. His favorite was a 1971 Jaguar XKE.

He was an avid and competitive tennis player, with a powerful serve. He played in leagues and tournaments, and just for fun! Tony also played golf and developed his skills so much that he was asked to teach kids in the First Tee Program in Memphis.

Tony was an extrovert, always the life of the party, but in his later years he was hampered by Parkinson’s Disease, so sadly withdrew from a social life.

As we say goodbye to this extraordinary man, we carry his memory in our hearts, forever grateful for the time we shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to AVOW Hospice of Naples, or Jubilee Fellowship of Naples. The family will have private memorial services in Colorado Springs, CO.