Canisteo, NY
Bruce K. Watson – (79) – of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Canisteo, NY, died Tuesday afternoon (January 27, 2025) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville, NY.
Born in Rochester on November 1, 1946, he was the son of Harvey and Eileen (Klos) Watson.
Bruce was a graduate of RL Thomas High School in Webster, NY and in 1968 graduated from Niagara University.
For many years he owned and operated the Kill Buck Inn in Canisteo.
He was married on June 8, 1968 to the former Cynthia Beader who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Stephanie (David) Shaw of Kenmore, NY, Kimberly Watson of Atlanta, GA and Julianne (Donald) Smith of Atlanta, GA; 2 brothers, Harvey (Dixie) Watson of San Antonio, TX and Mark (Lori) Watson of Tampa, FL; 4 grandchildren, Joseph (Hailey) Watson, Jasmine Watson, Dylan Shaw and Estella Smith; 1 great-granddaughter, Ayla Watson.
At Bruce’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY with final interment in St. Stephen Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Bruce’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Neighbor’s Foundation of Grand Island, PO Box 155, Grand Island, NY 14072 or by visiting www.gineighbors.org.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Bruce,
I just heard news of your passing, I hope you are resting easy. Thank you for all of the good times we shared at the Kill Buck, especially the late Sunday nights spent watching the Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball. Thank you for the kindness and wisdom you imparted to me during a very formative time of my life. In so many ways I grew up with you, from a young boy to a teen and young adult, and finally a man and father. Your decision to move on from the Kill Buck was a sad time for me knowing that a dear friend was leaving. I will always remember the time we had together and the profound impact you had on my life.
Thank you,
Ryan (Chip Boy)
Condolences to Bruce’s family and friends. I loved my time working for and with him at the Killbuck. He was a great boss and treated us well. My favorite times were when we were shutting down after all (except a few regulars) the customers left, Bruce would turn on the jukebox and we’d all dance. I won’t ever forget the wonderful memories made there! Bruce holds a special place in my heart. ❤️
I send my prayers to Bruces family and friends. Bruce wasy my first Boss and first job at the Kill Buck. He had set the standard high for future bosses. He taught me how to make a pizza right, Sauce n toppings all the way to the edge, absolutly No crust. Rest in peace Boss