Obituary of Donald L. Otis

On September 4th, Don Otis of Rotterdam, New York, left this realm for another place of peace and love.  He was 79.

Donald Leon Otis was born in Albany, New York, raised and educated in Colonie and Massena, New York.

Don served in the US Navy from 1955-1959 aboard the USS Forrestal.  He worked for Niagara Mohawk, first in their Albany station, then in Schenectady from 1962 until his retirement in 1997.

Don was a very strong-willed individual who would do anything necessary for his family.  In his spare time, he was a Winchester enthusiast, attending many gun shows in the area and throughout the Northeast.  But, Don's first love was the Adirondacks, especially the Saranac Lake Region.  The area around Paul Smith's and Bloomingdale were among his favorites.  He loved the outdoors so much, he purchased land in that area and built his dream cabin in the middle of the woods he loved.  Don always remarked that his cabin would never be finished even though he tinkered endlessly on perfecting it.  This was his home away from home spending many hours there.  He was most content in his beloved Adirondacks.

Don survived many years suffering from debilitating diseases and aliments. He is now pain free and with his loved ones in a greater place looking down on all those he cherished, and watching over them with the love of a husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Don belonged to the Rotterdam Elks #2157 in Rotterdam, New York.  He was also a member of the Adirondack Ward Pond Club in the Village of McColloms in the Town of Brighton.

Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Rosemary (Baccari) Otis who stood by him throughout all his good times and bad times.  Rose and Don were married 45 years.  He is also survived by his children Lee (Leila) Otis of Delanson, New York, Stephen Otis of Wisconsin, Scott (Kim)Otis of Glenville, New York, and Korin (Sammy) Polito of Rotterdam, New York.  Don is also survived by his grandchildren Ashley (Paul) Price, Kortney Otis, Jesse Otis, Autumn Otis, Branson, Braedon, and Britton Otis and Milana Polito.  He has two great grandchildren, Savannah Price and Rylee Pensack along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Don was loved by all.

Don is also survived by his sister Dorita (Ted) Nobles of Florida.  Don is also survived by Mary Lee Young, a cousin, who was his faithful caregiver during his lasts few months on this earth.  Her sense of humor and her ability to go beyond the norm provided Don and Rose with much comfort and security during some very extreme situations.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Dorothy Shaw Otis and Leon Otis, his first wife, Catherine Kerwin Otis, his brother Robert Otis. 

A Funeral Service will be conducted on Friday, September 8th at 6 PM at the Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Avenue (corner of Broadway), Schenectady, NY, with Father Jeffrey L’Arche, MS officiating.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may also call at the Bond Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.