Ron Watt, longtime owner of the Bike Works in Glenside, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3. He was 76 years old.

Watt was a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty HS class of 1965 and a US Navy Vietnam era veteran serving on the USS Orion, his obituary said.

After leaving the Navy, he opened his first motorcycle shop, the Graveyard, in Germantown. In 1970 he established the Bike Works in Glenside (now Knights Fitness) and operated the business until he retired in 2021.

He was an avid hunter and an active member in many organizations and a friend to all, his obituary said.

From a friend’s Facebook post:

Ride in peace brother
When I was young broke rider, I used to go into Ron’s shop. Smelled like gas and oil. Greatest place to be as a young rider. He had some of the best techs. They were in all the industry mags.
Ron was one of the coolest cats I had met. Still to this day. He was as real as they come. Ron passed on today. I ran into him more at events after he sold and closed. We had great chats. He was out of sight for quite a few years. I found out he had Parkinsons. I should have stopped over to listen to some stories and share my own.
Ron and I shared some great bike and hunting stories.
He was one of only a handful of guys I ever looked up to. My condolences Eric.
God’s Speed Ron…

From Cheltenham Township Emergency Management’s Facebook post:

Today we mourn the loss of a friend of Public Safety and the Township. Ron Watt was the owner of the Bike Works in Glenside. He was well known in the community and was an integral part of the Glenside Car show. Ron will be missed by many.

For a 15-minute slideshow of photos and video clips from Watt’s life, you can click here.

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Photos: Facebook