Howard L. WattsDundee, NY

Howard L. Watts, 88, of Dundee, passed away suddenly Sunday, February 22, 2026, before breakfast at his favorite local eatery.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 28, at Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee, where a funeral service will follow at noon with Pastor Jane Winters officiating. Burial will take place in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weston Presbyterian Church, 510 County Route 23, Dundee.

Watts was born on November 25, 1937, in the Town of Tyrone, the son of the late Oliver Lee and Carrie A. (Temple) Watts. He graduated from Dundee Central School in 1956 and served six months in the Army Reserves. On November 16, 1957, in Hammondsport, he married Beverly S. Smith, who passed away January 6, 2009.

He spent 41 years working in the wine industry as a vineyard foreman, employed by Gold Seal, Seagrams, Taylor, Vintners, Constellation Brands, and later retiring from Widmer Wine Cellars in Naples on January 1, 2000. He was a member of Weston Presbyterian Church and Lamoka Masonic Lodge #463 F&AM in Tyrone.

Known to many as “The Can Man,” Watts was dedicated to collecting cans for five different charities. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and cutting firewood.

He is survived by two daughters, Raine L. (Earl) Pratt of Odessa, Texas, and Kim L. Gee of Watkins Glen, with whom he made his home; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, a grandson, and a son-in-law.