Sertoma’s First Executive Director passes away at the age of 92

Richard “Al” Watterworth was the Executive Director from 1971 to 1993

With sadness, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Alsip, shares the news of the recent passing of a dear friend, colleague, and former Executive Director, Richard “Al” Watterworth, at the age of 92.

*Al Watterworth, courtesy of Schuler Funeral Home,* Hendersonville, NC

Al served as the Executive Director when Sertoma opened its doors in 1971. Initially known as the Sertoma Job Training Center, he oversaw the agency through two decades of name changes, facility expansion, and program growth before retiring in 1993.

In the early seventies, three area Sertoma clubs saw the need for a resource that provided employment and training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The founding clubs –Action Sertoma Club, Evergreen-Beverly Sertoma Club, and POW-R Sertoma Club– opened the facility at 4343 W. 123rd Street with the help of land donated by the Lombard family. Al was appointed Executive Director due to his expertise originating at the St. Coletta School (Lt. Joseph Kennedy School) in Palos Park, now in Tinley Park.

Much of Sertoma’s early progress was a direct result of the dedication of its Executive Director. As a tribute to his contributions, Al was a recipient of the esteemed Service to Mankind award in 1973. He was selected for this honor for his deep regard for those in need and for personifying Sertoma’s maxim “Service to Mankind.” He was lauded for working well past five o’clock, five days a week, and devoting extra days to accomplish the goals of the training center. His obituary justly describes his time at Sertoma. “His selfless, life-long devotion and commitment in helping and supporting people with disabilities resulted in placing hundreds of Sertoma clients in satisfying, self-sustaining jobs and careers offering hope, dignity, and self-worth. He was directly responsible for improving thousands of lives.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Al and his wife Louise relocated to North Carolina after his retirement. He served in the Army and attended the University of Illinois. After volunteering as a Big Brother for the Cook County Public Aid Department, he felt called to help those in need and began his time at The Kennedy School as Associate Director.

*(above and right) Al interacting with Sertoma Job Training Center Consumers*

Sertoma is heralded as an outstanding center of its kind in the country, with much of that owed to Al’s leadership. Under his direction, Sertoma Centre grew over time, and the agency still offers many programs that started with his dedication and vision.

He was succeeded by Gus van den Brink, who has filled the position of Executive Director for over 30 years. There have only been two Executive Directors in the 50+ year history, Watterworth and van den Brink.

Special thanks to Ernest Wulff, Past President, POW-R Sertoma Club, for this story.