PITTSTON — Former Sunday Dispatch editor the late John Watson was not selected to be on Pittston’s Inspiration Mural. However, it looks like he found his way onto it, anyway.

What appears to be Watson’s face is on muralist Michael Pilato’s mural on the Newrose Building on South Main Street. Watson’s father, William A. “Pidge” Watson Jr. was voted to be on the mural, but isn’t. Pidge is the former editor and publisher of the Sunday Dispatch

According to Main Street Manager Rose Randazzo, the artist is aware of the possible mistake. However, Pilato painted what he believes is Pidge.

“That has been a controversial issue among us,” Randazzo said. “We’re talking about that now. If the artist believes he painted Pidge, but looks like John – how much did they look alike when they were young?”

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Randazzo made it clear that if there is a mistake, Pilato said he would take care of it. Currently, Randazzo, along with Pilato, are scouring over younger photos of Pidge to see if there was a mistake.

On the mural, John Watson is holding the Tomato Festival cake with Biagio Dente. The duo can be seen on the right side of the mural toward the Tomato Bar and Bistro.

The late John Watson, right, poses with Biagio Dente on the Pittston Inspiration Mural on the side of the Newrose Building on South Main Street. Watson, however, was not selected to be on the mural. His father, William A. “Pidge” Watson Jr., was.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Watson.jpg.optimal.jpgThe late John Watson, right, poses with Biagio Dente on the Pittston Inspiration Mural on the side of the Newrose Building on South Main Street. Watson, however, was not selected to be on the mural. His father, William A. “Pidge” Watson Jr., was. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

By Nick Wagner

nwagner@timesleader.com

Reach Nick Wagner at 570-991-6406 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick