Obituary of Chester B. Watts

WATTS CHESTER BURLEIGH JR, 95, passed away at home Saturday, May 11, 2013. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Emily and Alan Gesser of Herndon, Va.; son and daughter-in-law Skip and Libby Watts of Radford, Va.; daughter and son-in-law Martie and Bill Wilson of Burke, Va.; grandchildren Ryan and Alison Gesser, Kelly Gesser, Stephanie Watts, Olivia and Vinnie Carcia, Jamie and Liz Watts, Matt and Carolyn Wilson, and Emily Wilson; great grandchildren Libby Carcia, Murphy Carcia, Kennedy Wilson, and Harvey Wilson. Chet was born in Washington DC and grew up with his parents living on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory where his father worked. He was instrumental in the development of aircraft instrument landing systems during World War II and throughout his career. He held the patent for the Watts End-Fire Instrument Landing System designed for difficult landing sites. He enjoyed sailing, working on projects around the house, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Advent Funeral Home in Falls Church, Va. assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, Tyson’s Pond II, 1604 Spring Hill Road Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182.