Watkins, Joseph Gerard - a gentleman and scholar, passed away after a heroic eighteen month battle with brain cancer on July 4th 2012; four days before his 53rd birthday and eight days after his 30th wedding anniversary to the love of his life Petrina Ann Watkins (nee: Bruno). A longtime resident of Bayonne, Joseph served his country as a Lt. Colonel in the Army during the first Gulf War. Legendary for his love of children, Joseph was blessed with Joseph Dominic and his wife Lisa Marie, Jeffrey Arthur and his girlfriend Crystina Burnett and his princess Liana Rose who are all here to continue his legacy of kindness. Joseph leaves a trail of tears from his siblings Charlene, Charles, Rosalie and their respective spouses as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends all of whom he leaves with a smile. Visitation for Joseph will be held on Saturday July 7th, from 2-5 PM and again on Sunday July 8th (Joseph's birthday) from 4-8 PM at Migliaccio Funeral Home, 851 Kennedy Blvd. (at 33rd St.) in Bayonne. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday July 9th at 10:45 AM at St. Henry's Church, 645 Avenue C in Bayonne with a private cremation to follow. In lieu of any flowers the family asks that donations be made in Joseph's memory to The Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention. Envelopes will be made available at the funeral home or a link can be found and condolences may also be sent to the family at www.MigliaccioFuneralHome.com.