William John Watson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill (William John) Watson, who passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 85, in Fort Myers, FL. Born on April 5, 1940 to Harry and Laverna (Kurtz) Watson in Brecksville, OH.

Bill spent his youth attending Brecksville-Broadview High School, where he enjoyed playing sports and spending time outdoors with his brother Bob and longtime friend Jerry Drozdowski. He briefly studied Accounting at Fenn College before enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served for six years, becoming a Computer Programmer with the rank of E5. During his time in the Army, Bill was stationed in Germany, where he had the opportunity to tour much of Europe. He was later reassigned to the Pentagon as a Civilian Computer Programmer for the Department of the Army Finance and Accounting. Bill and his family settled in Waldorf, MD, before he was transferred to Indianapolis in 1973 to Fort Harrison’s Finance Center. In 1979, Bill married Martha (Fragale) Fluharty, and together they lovingly blended their families, raising four children. He dedicated 21 years to the Finance Center, playing an instrumental role in its closure under Army control as the Director of Information Management for Computers and Communications, achieving a Civilian Ranking of GS-14. After retiring from the Army, Bill continued to work, first for the City of Indianapolis under Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, and finally alongside his daughter-in-law Melinda at Mid America Property Management.

Bill and Martha shared a love for travel, exploring both the US and abroad, including Italy and Spain. They also enjoyed "house flipping" before it became widely popular, owning numerous homes and rental properties in Indianapolis and Fort Myers. These ventures allowed Bill to utilize his craftsmanship to improve properties before selling them. An avid outdoorsman, Bill frequently went hunting and fishing locally, as well as in Michigan and Canada. He was a devoted sports fan, particularly enjoying Notre Dame Football with Martha and his friends, and cherished watching his grandchildren play sports, especially baseball.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of over 46 years, Martha (Fragale) Watson; his children Carmen (Dave) Temple, Perry(Melinda) Watson, and Michelle Watson; his grandchildren Tyler (Krista) and Nolan Watson, Evan Temple, Raquel Codalata, and Gabrielle (Richard) Codalata-Mendez; and his great-grandchildren Brewer Watson, Levi and William Temple, Emersyn Codalata, Ana and Anthony Mendez. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Chofi) Watson; his niece Belinda (Jeremy) Watson-Fletcher and daughter Tea’ (who affectionately called Bill "Poppy Pickles"); Karen (Ray) Delucia & family, Katherine (Jamie) Duvall & family; Michael Blohm; Dean and Debbie Fragale; Christopher (Alice) Fragale & family; Mark Baral; the late Jay Kalin (Cheryl) & family; friends Pam and Andy Sonneborn; and all his neighbors in Indy and Fort Myers. The family extends a special thank you to Dick and Marie Rodrick.

His parents, Harry and Laverna, and his son, Michael Patrick (Fragale) Fluharty, preceded him in death.

While his passing saddens us, Bill’s love for his family, especially his devoted wife Martha, will continue to inspire us all.

Services will be private for the family only.