David Watts Obituary

Dr. David Ritchie Watts CHARLESTON - It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. David Ritchie Watts, 82, of Charleston, S.C., announce his passing on Friday, June 16th, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carol Louise Watts and his three daughters, Catherine Allison Watts, Elizabeth Adair Josefsberg, her husband, David Scott Josefsberg, their sons, Cooper Jackson Josefsberg and Benjamin Watts Josefsberg, and Mary Brigman Watts. Surviving extended family members include his brothers-in-law, Carl Craft and John Ressinger and their families. Dave hailed from Havana, Illinois, later moving to the northern suburbs of Chicago, enabling him to attend New Trier East High School. There he was awarded the annually bestowed Princeton Award and subsequently obtained his Bachelor's degree in History and Pre-med from the esteemed university. During his college years, Dave participated in the exclusive a capella vocal group, the Princeton Nassoons. He also served as class secretary his junior year and class president his senior year. Dave then enrolled in Northwestern University's medical school, where he met his future bride, Carol Louise Craft, of Bozeman, Montana. His surgical residency was interrupted by two years as a captain in the U.S. Army, including one as a brigade level surgeon in Vietnam. Following his Fellowship in vascular surgery, he began private practice in Evanston, Illinois, while simultaneously serving as an assistant professor at Northwestern. He retired after 28 years in practice, having performed nearly 5,000 procedures. He and Carol moved to Charleston, S.C., where he was able to pursue his interests in sailing on his beloved Navicular, becoming a founding member of Bulls Bay Golf Club, and singing with the Charleston Men's Chorus. Throughout his life Dave nourished his fine mind with his voracious love of reading. He was also instrumental in founding a Nassoons Reunion Group, which is now in its 22nd year of traveling and performing for alumni throughout the country. In memory of Dave, charitable contributions can be made to: The Princeton Nassoons Alumni Association - The 1941Fund. To donate online visit WWW.Perfids.com (please note in the memo field that donations are for the Princeton Nassoons or call (800) 258-5421 or email [email protected].