Alfred Michael Watson

Watson was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and ordained a priest on May 10, 1934.[1] On May 17, 1965, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Erie and Titular Bishop of Nationa by Pope Paul VI.[1] He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 29 from Cardinal John Krol, with Bishop John Selby Spence and Joseph Francis Donnelly serving as co-consecrators.[1] Watson attended Cathedral Preparatory School.

Following the promotion of John Francis Whealon to Archbishop of Hartford in 1968, Watson was named Bishop of Erie on March 17, 1969.[1] He was accused of being too slow to implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and met considerable opposition from the diocesan clergy.[2] During his tenure, he ordained 88 priests, but was forced to close or merge several Catholic schools.[2]

After breaking his hip and undergoing surgery,[2] he retired on July 16, 1982.[1] He died 9 years later at age 81.