Richard J. Otte

Age 84, of East Sparta, passed away Sat., Nov. 11, 2017, in his home surrounded by his loving family.   He was born Nov. 8, 1933 in Dellroy, OH, a son of the late John and Marguerite (McCarthy) Otte, and had been an East Sparta resident 54 years.  Dick was a 1952 graduate of Magnolia High School, and was retired from East Ohio Gas Co., after 36 years service as an equipment operator. He was a life member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Morges.  He served as Fire Chief for the Village of East Sparta and also on the Board of Public Affairs.  Dick was a Veteran of the U. S. Army.  He enjoyed working outdoors and was very particular about his yard.  But mostly he enjoyed watching his granddaughters play softball.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by seven sisters and two brothers, Virginia Otte, Joan McAllister, twins Nancy Bondy and Mary Murphy, Cecelia Lippman, Judy Ferguson, Wilma Rice, Pat Otte, and Alfred Otte.  Dick was a wonderful husband, dad, and papa, and is survived by his wife, Shelbia J. Otte, with whom he celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary on Nov. 7th; two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Robert Pariano, and Marguerite and Donnie Nicholson, Jr.; one son, Richard Otte II; two granddaughters, Chloe and Meggie, who were the love of his life; two granddogs, Bubbie and Valentino; and three sisters, Jean and Ted Boller, Rita Otte and Dallas Haines, and Barbara and Dave Leyda.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wed. at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Morges with Fr. Anthony Batt as Celebrant.  Interment will be in the Church Cemetery with Military Honors by Isaac L. Kinney American Legion Post #244.  There will be no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick's memory may be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663.  Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 866-9425