Esther R. Nacci

After a long illness, Esther R. (Watson) Nacci, 54, of Preston, CT, passed away peacefully at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, New London, CT on April 1, 2022. She was the loving partner of Michael A. Grillo. Born in Warwick, RI on March 23, 1968, Esther was the daughter of David L. Watson and the late Lu Ann R. (Mitchell) Watson.

As a graduate of the University of Rhode Island in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Marketing, Esther worked as a customer service representative at Pier Cleaners of Wakefield/Westerly, RI for many years. She was also employed part time as a cashier at The Home Depot in Westerly, RI.

Wanting a career change, Esther found that she was drawn to opticianry. This brought her to continue her education in 2013 at Community College of Rhode Island where she obtained an Associates of Applied Science degree in Opticianry.

After graduating, Esther accepted a position as an Optician at Pearle Vison in Waterford, CT. She moved to Connecticut in 2018 and furthered her optical education at Middlesex Community College. Esther proudly obtained her Connecticut Opticians license in 2019.

A singer at heart, Esther joined the Chorus of Westerly in 2000 and, minus a short hiatus, sang with them in nearly every concert for the next 16 years. It was only her emerging medical condition that made it difficult for her to continue.

Inheriting her mother’s creative side, Esther loved creating stained glass artwork and soapmaking. She was an avid reader, enjoyed sewing, knitting, baking, as well as working in her flower gardens. A lover of animals, Esther will be missed by her cats that loved her dearly.

Esther leaves behind her partner Michael; her sister Sarah (Dallas) Wooden; father David L. Watson; aunt Diane (Robert) Fauth; uncle Berton (Gail) Mitchell; nephews Austin (Shamayah) Wooden and Judah Wooden; and nieces Megan Wooden and Apphia Wooden. She will also be dearly missed by her partners sister, Julie Grillo. Esther was predeceased by her mother Lu Ann R. Watson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to The Chorus of Westerly at 119 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891 or https://www.chorusofwesterly.org.

A graveside service will be held at River Bend Cemetery in the Cremation Garden overlooking the Pawcatuck River on April 23, 2022 at 11 AM. Immediately following the service, friends and family are invited to gather at Central Baptist Church, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI.