Dr. Edward Sylvester Watko

Dr. Edward S Watko, 94 years old passed away restfully December 5th at his residence in St. Clair Shores with his wife of 62 years, Joanne, his daughter Trish, his son Edward, and his daughter-in-law Cindy at his bedside. He graduated from De La Salle High School in June of 1938 and served four years in the army during WWII and was honorably discharged April 1946, as a First Sargent. Ed graduated from University of Detroit Dental School in June of 1952 and was married to Joanne Sweeney in July of the same year. Ed had a servant heart. In addition to serving his country in the army, he served for many years on St. Lucy’s Parish Council as well being a eucharistic minister. For over forty years, he lovingly served his dental patients even extending credit to those that had difficulty paying. His real love, however, was for his family including his extended family. From his experience as the only boy in a family of four sisters, Ed often gave credit to that experience for his excellent listening skills and empathy. He was known for his encouraging spirit and positive outlook. Longevity runs in the Watko family and Ed was pre-deceased by Sister Margaret (80), Kaye Staperfenne (86), Helen Swoboda (97), and Leone Weeks (92). His love extended to their families as well including spending summers annually at family cottages in St. Clair watching freighters traveling up and down the St. Clair River. Ed’s first daughter, Jane Louise Watko, followed in her father’s professional steps becoming a dentist and ultimately serving as a prison dentist in the Michigan Correctional system before her death in 2012. Ed is survived by his wife, Joanne, son Ed (Cindy), daughter Trish, granddaughter Heather (Jason) Allen, grandson Paul (Gretchen) Watko, and great-grandchildren Jack, Trent, Maddy, Mack, George, and Kate along with many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Monday, December 8 from 3 p.m.- 9 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores. The funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Instate followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lucy’s Parish at 23401 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI. Memorial tributes can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.