Ronny Watts

Ronny Watts obituary, Reston, VA

Ronny Watts

Ronny Watts Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 5 to Nov. 16, 2022.
Ronny Watts passed away on Nov 02, 2022 at age 79. He was born on May 21, 1943 in Washington DC to Doris (Sirota) and Arnold Watts, now deceased. He is survived by two sons, Trent Watts and Russell (Lindsey) Watts, and his sister Suzanne (Nordahl) Watts Brue. He was Grandaddy to Riley and Leila Watts, daughters of Russell, and Uncle Ronny to Alexia Brue, Erik Brue, and Marget (Brue) Ofek. He was much loved by all.

Ronny grew up in Chevy Chase, Md, and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.

Through his life, people of all ages, and from all stations, were impacted by Ronny's engaging personality, amazed by his grit and determination, and touched by his kindness, compassion and generosity. Ronny met life with gusto and humor -- devilish, mischievous and irreverent, he was fun! Only he could say something a certain way, get away with it, and make you laugh -- because underneath he had a huge heart and showed it. These qualities served him well in all fields --sports, business, and being a devoted father, husband, brother, and son,

Playing basketball as a high-schooler on the competitive basketball courts of Chevy Chase, he was noticed and encouraged by the famed Celtics Coach, Red Auerbach. He won a basketball scholarship to Wake Forest, where he set rebounding records which stood for decades, and led his team to exciting ACC victories against much larger schools. He then captained a gold-medal winning Maccabiah Team. After college, he was drafted by the World Champion Boston Celtics, fulfilling a life-long dream. As a result of his teamwork, and hard work, he earned great respect from his teammates (Sports Illustrated nicknamed him "Bruiser Watts") and created many lifelong friendships.

With his natural charisma, he then appeared in 5 CLIO-award-winning TV Commercials about friendship with his good friend and former teammate Bill Russell. The "Good Friends are for Keeps" series was created for ATT's WATS Line and lead to Ronny becoming the national spokesman for the very successful WATS Line (Wide-Area Telecommunications Service) campaign.

In other professional achievements locally, he co-founded the Fairfax County Public School Education Foundation, raising funds for the Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology, served as board member for the Special Olympics, and founded the DC Urban Coalition, organizing summer basketball tournaments in DC. He also was the color announcer for the Washington Bullets, Maryland Terrapins, and Georgetown Hoyas and in 1994 he was elected to the Greater Washington Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Roxanne, created an award-winning real estate business in the Reston area.

However, nothing gave him more pride and enjoyment than raising his sons...and eating hardshell crabs with family and friends came in a strong second!

In his later life, due to medical challenges, he was a resident of the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington since 2011. There, due to his positive mental attitude and tough mindset, he would often be an inspiration to other patients. He also became a beloved fixture at the adjacent Jewish Community Center where he swam regularly, and made many friends within the Mens Group. Ronny found strength in family and friends, the music he loved and books he read. His mental fortitude was legend, he made innumerable comebacks from critical situations, and many who worked with him said he had the strongest will of anyone they'd ever met.

Donations may be made to MENTOR, the youth mentoring charity founded by his friend, Bill Russell at RonnyWattsMemorial.org

Sign Ronny Watts's Guest Book

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May 22, 2025

Harvey Baker posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2024

Barry Mehlman posted to the memorial.

December 23, 2022

Shirley Geoghan posted to the memorial.

10 Entries

Harvey Baker

May 22, 2025

When I was a kid I went to Ronny´s basketball camp. Ronny Watts All Star Basketball Camp at the Rockville JCC. Since my mother did not drive, Ronny picked me up every morning to go to the camp in an older convertible, it was the coolest. I still remember some of the stars who were there. He was a great coach, mentor and friend. Rest in Peace

Barry Mehlman

January 22, 2024

I knew Ron as a neighbor in North Point in Reston and I owned
the Baskin Robbins there. I moved to Colorado in 1999 but recall his fighting back pain and probably other medical issues. A good man with a sense of humor similar to mine. Rest in peace Ronny.

Shirley Geoghan

December 23, 2022

Roni, you will be greatly missed by all. You were a great friend to Bob and me. God Bless you in Heaven with Bob. You two can continue to talk about basketball. Love you forever, Bob and Shirley Geoghan

Michelle Kramer

November 22, 2022

Ronny´s sister Suzanne is one of my dearest friends and she has shared with me over the years just how special her brother was and how much she loved him. I never got to meet Ronny but I knew through Suzanne´s eyes and voice just how special he was. Sending a warm hug to the family and friends and may you allow yourself the space and time to grieve and celebrate Ronny´s big heart.

Tom and Betty Wartha

November 8, 2022

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Watts family. We are sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Marbel Pineda

November 7, 2022

My condolences to the family I will miss Mr Watts Rest In Peace "Papá"the King " with love and caring

Monica & the entire Wilson family

November 6, 2022

My most heartfelt sympathy. Ronny was truly one-of-a-kind and will be missed yet always remembered.

Paul Horning

November 6, 2022

I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family and loved ones.

Barbara Kaufman

November 6, 2022

May your friends and family help you with your grief. We send our love and prayers.
Barbara & Olivier

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Erik and Sarah Thompson

Sent Flowers

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Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home

254 Carroll St. NW, Washington, DC 20012

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Sign Ronny Watts's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 22, 2025

Harvey Baker posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2024

Barry Mehlman posted to the memorial.

December 23, 2022

Shirley Geoghan posted to the memorial.