Kenneth Watkins, Jr.

Kenneth D. Watkins, Jr., age 80, of Wayne, NJ, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The oldest of Kenneth and Katherine Watkin’s two children, Ken was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. He was a graduate of St. Michael’s High School in Union City.

After high school, Ken attended William Paterson College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. His first full-time job out of college as an insurance sales representative was with Peacock Insurance Agency in Jersey City. He ultimately pursued the medical publishing profession, first with Cliggott Publishing in Greenwich, Connecticut where he was Vice President of Sales, then with Clinicians Group in Clifton, NJ where he was Partner and Senior Vice President. In 2000 he established his own business, Watkins Representation Group. He considered himself a blessed man to be able to do work that he loved with the countless great people that he met and collaborated with during his career. Ken enjoyed his work so much! Consequently, he never retired.

Ken was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Sodano) Watkins. They started dating way back in their high school days. He was a junior and she was a sophomore. Their first date was to the movies and their love and devotion to one another grew from there to the level that, if there was an Oscar award for a great marriage, they would have easily won. They married on Saturday, May 22, 1965, exchanging their wedding promises before family and friends at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Union City. After a honeymoon in Miami Beach, Florida where they stayed at the Fountain Blue Hotel, they started married life in a house next door to Phyllis’ mom in Union City. From there they moved to an apartment in Jersey City before purchasing their first home in Wayne where they were blessed to raise their daughter and two sons. Together, Ken and Phyllis had spent the past 53 years together in that home.

Though Ken’s work never felt like work to him, he certainly did have other interests and pursuits. He was a fan of all the major spectator sports and especially enjoyed rooting for the NJ Giants, NY Rangers, NY Yankees, and the Boston Celtics. When his children were growing up, Ken also enjoyed coaching them in baseball and football and volunteering in any other capacity with the Wayne PAL, including driving the PAL’s bus. Ken also enjoyed seeing the world and, while his work allowed him to travel to many interesting destinations, none were as fun as the travels he was able to share with his wife Phyllis. They especially enjoyed trips together to England, Italy, and France.

Ken’s faith in God was evident to anyone that knew him. His Roman Catholic faith was a constant guide and inspiration throughout his entire life. He was a faithful parishioner for fifty years at Holy Cross R.C. Church in Wayne where he served in helping to produce the weekly bulletin, and not only taught gym class at Holy Cross School but also spearheaded and orchestrated a fundraising drive to have all of the school’s gym equipment donated.

He was a compassionate man who enthusiastically helped to raise money for motorized wheelchairs for wounded veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project.

Next to Ken’s love for God, nothing came closer than his love, devotion and joy that he held for his family. His character and integrity were a beautiful example for his children and grandchildren to aspire to and he was always happy to offer encouragement and guidance to move his family forward and lift them up. He’d often say, “Plan your work and work your plan” and, “You can do it!” Of all of his accomplishments, nothing made him beam with pride more than his family and his home. Ken’s grandchildren put a sparkle in his eyes and times spent with Phyllis, his children and grandchildren at their shore house in LBI were precious times that he truly cherished.

Ken was truly larger than life. He was a born leader who’s mere presence lit up a room. He was equally comfortable in a crowd or with a person one-on-one. To Ken, the lowliest were just as important as the greatest and everyone he met was treated with respect.

Ken was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Sodano), blessed in a warm and loving marriage for 59 years. He was the most loving father of Kim Magliocchetti and husband John of Wayne, Kenneth Watkins, III and wife Lori of Woodland Park, and Geoffrey Watkins of Riverdale; cherished grandfather of Geoff and Lea Magliocchetti and Sophia and Kenny Watkins, IV; dearest brother of the late Kathy McMahon; dear brother-in-law of Bill McMahon, Frank Sodano and his late wife Grace, and Gerry Davis; and dear uncle of Eileen, Kathy, Frank, Jason, Amy, Kathy, and Billy.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Kenneth’s name are asked to consider:

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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959