Theodore Watson Jr.

Born on July 9, 1943, in Glen Cove, NY, Teddy was the beloved son of the late

Theodore Watson Sr., a dedicated military serviceman and Annie Mae Watson, a loving

homemaker.

A lifelong learner with a strong sense of duty, Teddy dedicated his career to public

service and law enforcement. He earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science and

Criminal Justice from Nassau Community College in 1975, followed by a Bachelor of

Arts in Criminal Justice Management at Adelphi University in 1977.

Teddy started his career with the NCPD as a patrolman which led him to being assigned

to the Highway Unit. He then transitioned to the Crime Prevention Unit, Plainclothes and

Robbery Squad. After 9 years he was promoted to Detective assigned to the Homicide Squad, then later working in Criminal Intelligence, Vehicle Theft, Narcotics and finally Vice Squad. Following his retirement from NCPD in 1989, Teddy transitioned into executive protection with Beau Dietl, managing celebrity security detail for prominent figures including Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Christopher Reeve, Janet Jackson, Tom Cruise, Steve Rifkind, Jordan Belfort, James Earl Jones, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and Xzibit, among many others.

On November 22,1969, Teddy was joined in marriage to the love of his life, Cynthia.

With 57 devoted years of marriage, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. To this union was born Theodore Ill and Kirsten Celeste.

Known affectionately to those he loved as Daddy, Pops, Pop-Pop, Teddy, Zeke, Mr.

Teddy and Mr. Watson. Teddy had a magnetic personality that filled every room. To say he loved to talk would be an understatement, he was a great storyteller who could talk anyone out of the room (literally), loved a good joke, and brought infectious laughter everywhere he went. His charisma was legendary, his children fondly nicknamed him "The Mayor" after realizing that no matter how far from home they traveled, he inevitably crossed paths with a familiar face. He was quite simply the kind of person who made connection effortless and knew everyone.

An avid sports fan, Teddy faithfully cheered on his favorite teams, the New York

Yankees, Giants and Knicks. He maintained an active lifestyle as a Marathon runner

and spending time playing golf. He also had a passion for good food, loved dining out

and traveling with family, and enjoyed listening to Classic R&B and Jazz.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Cynthia; his daughter Sandrella; his

son and daughter-in-law Theodore Ill and Abby; his daughter and son-in-law Kirsten and Mike; and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.