Andrew J. Watkinson, 75, of Grand Island, NY, died on Wednesday April 24, 2013 at Elderwood Healthcare at Riverwood, Grand Island, NY. Born in London, England he was the son of the late Harold and Vera (Cullen) Watkinson.

Andy, as he was known to his family and friends, was educated in England and served in the Royal Air Force of England from 1957 until 1959. He began a long and successful career as a programmer analyst with The Nestle Co. Ltd. in England. Following that he was employed as the Bermuda Computer Center manager and trust officer for the Bank of Butterfield and Sons until coming to the United States in 1975.

On January 10, 1976 he married Sharon O. (Onevelo) Watkinson. Andy held various executive positions in Buffalo, NY from 1976 until he retired in 2003. These included being a manager of systems development at M & T Bank, a senior banking consultant for the Computer Task Group and a senior vice president of Empire of America Realty Credit Corp. Andy then formed his own company and served as president of Data Vinci Consulting, Inc. At the time of his retirement he was a mortgage banker with Amaximus Lending Corp. of Dallas Fort Worth, TX.

Andy was a member of the Toastmasters International, Junior Achievement and for several years he coached the rugby team at Niagara University. He had a passion for the theatre and was a dedicated patron of Niagara University Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company. Andy and his wife enjoyed spending time in Sarasota, FL where he served as treasurer of the Lido Towers Condominium Association.

In addition to his wife of thirty seven years, Andy is survived by two sisters Maureen (Timothy) Lyons of Bradenton, FL and Pauline (late Dominic) Cerino of Siesta Key, FL; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Angelo (Mary) Onevelo of Niagara Falls, NY; cousin Rosanne (Stephen) Zafuto of Niagara Falls, NY; his special friend James H. Poythress, one uncle in Ireland and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be on Monday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the
M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday April 30th at 10:00 AM at Alumni Chapel of Niagara University, Lewiston, NY, with Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Niagara University Theatre, Niagara University, NY 14109.