Richard H. Watson
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      Richard H. Watson

      August 24, 2026

      Richard H. Watson, 85, of Grandy, NC, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, August 24, 2026. Formerly from Lenhartsville, PA, he was the beloved husband of Petra K. Drewes Watson, with whom he shared thirty-eight years of marriage.

      Born January 10, 1941, in Allentown, PA, Richard was the son of the late Dorothy H. Harris Watson and Howard E. Watson. He was a 1959 graduate of William Allen High School. After high school Dick embarked on a long career in the steel industry. He eventually retired as a General Forman of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation after thirty years of service. Remaining active, Dick continued working with Bethlehem’s predecessor, Beth Forge from 1995 to 1997- retiring once again in 2009 from Lehigh Heavy Forge.

      In his younger years, Dick was a pilot and instructor for the Civil Air Patrol 31st Wing; an avid scuba diver who helped start the Allentown Police Dept.'s River Rescue Division; and he held the position of Special Deputy Sheriff of Lehigh County. Dick also held a Law Enforcement Officer Training School certificate and was a member of Keystone Aqua-Ventures. Not to be forgotten was his passion and commitment to boating, motorcycles, and Jeeps on the beach.

      Richard’s survivors include: wife, Petra K. Drewes Watson; sister, Sandra K. Czajkowski (William) of Maunaloa, HI; former wife, Janet A. Watson (Wargo) of Allentown, PA; three sons, Richard P. Watson (Kimberly) of Allentown, PA, Robert W. Watson of Allentown, PA, and Ronald M. Watson (Judy) of New Braunfels, TX; grandchildren, RJ, Rylan, Austin, Laikyn, Rory, and Jacob; and his great-granddaughter, Emery.

      The family has honored Richard’s preference for cremation. They are planning a private memorial service to be held at a future date. Please share a message of comfort with the Watson family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.

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        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.

        Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.

        Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.

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