STAMFORD—Msgr. Roger J. Watts, 91, a priest of the diocese for over 60 years, died on Wednesday, April 22 in Stamford Hospital.
Bishop Caggiano has asked for prayers for the repose of the soul of Msgr. Watts and the consolation of his family, especially his brother, Reverend Canon Albert W. Watts.
Msgr. Watts, who has held many posts through his ministry in the diocese, is being remembered by many as a talented man who loved his life as a priest and worked joyfully to serve others in his ministry.
Msgr. Watts and his brother, Albert, were ordained on the same day, June 5, 1959, in St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport by then—Bishop Lawrence Joseph Shehan. Following his ordination, Msgr. Watts served as a Parochial Vicar in the parishes of St. Maurice, Glenbrook; Saint Joseph, Shelton and Saint Mary, Ridgefield.
Msgr. Watts served as Pastor of St. Cecilia Church in Stamford from 1984 to 1999 when he retired and continued to celebrate Mass and help out in many parishes during his retirement years. Prior to serving as St. Cecilia, he served as Pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Stamford.
Early in his career, he was the principal at St. Mary School in Ridgefield, as well as a priest in the parish there. He also taught at Central Catholic High School in Norwalk from 1966 to 1973.
The many posts Msgr. Watts held during his priesthood included service as Spiritual Director of the Catholic Family and Community Services, an office of Catholic Charities; a member of the Presbyteral Council; and moderator of the Stamford District Council of Catholic Women.
Father Watts was born on March 26, 1929 in Fall River, Massachusetts. He took his seminary studies at the Oblate Scholasticate in Washington, D.C. and Saint Mary Seminary in Baltimore.
Information concerning funeral plans will be published as it becomes available.
