Louis John Otremba III

Louis (Lou) John Otremba, III died on Monday 9/23/2024 from a heart attack sustained during his beloved morning workout, he was 49 years old. Born 5/30/1975 in Baltimore to loving parents Louis & Laura Otremba, Lou was the first-born of twins. His twin brother Larry was born two minutes later. Parents Lou and Laura did not know they were having twins until Laura went into labor. This was a surprise, but not a challenge that would intimidate Lou’s headstrong Polish father who taught Lou that “you can work your way out of any problem.” Lou was raised in Joppatowne, Maryland and by any measure had an idyllic childhood. Brother Matthew Otremba was born in Feb 1980 and the three Otremba brothers grew up with strong bonds to their loving grandparents Stanley and Jane Kihn and Louis and Mary Otremba, and countless friends. Parents Lou and Laura had a lovely family home on the corner of Larkspur Drive and Joppa Farm Rd. The Otremba home was always filled with family and friends, and Lou vividly recalled how warm and welcoming his home was, especially during the Christmas season.

The Otremba brothers joined the Joppatowne summer swim team in 1981, and swimming quickly became the brother’s preferred year-round activity. Lou’s life was forever changed in 1986 when he joined the Edgewood Aquanauts swim team, under the tutelage of legendary coach Fred Lee. Mr. Lee was an innovative, brilliant, and demanding coach who transformed Lou from an average swimmer to one of the fastest boys in his age group in the state of Maryland. Lou had a poster on his bedroom wall growing up that read “The awards of youth are soon forgotten, but the personal qualities developed through the disciplined pursuit of excellence will last a lifetime.” Without any doubt, it was coach Fred Lee who fostered in Lou a relentless work ethic that never left him.

Lou attended Calvert Hall College (CHC) High School and swam on the Cardinal varsity swim team all four years. Lou helped Calvert Hall win three consecutive MIAA championships and many dual and invitational swim meets. Countless lifetime friendships were made at Calvert Hall including Brad Francis, Todd Perkins, and Brian Brandt. Lou treasured his CHC experience because of the foundation of tradition and faith.

Lou next attended Gettysburg College and again participated in varsity swimming all four years. While in college Lou’s interest in the sport of triathlon flourished. Lou quickly rose to become one of the fastest junior triathletes in the USA and was twice selected for the USA Triathlon Olympic Development Team. Lou won many local triathlons and twice competed in the Triathlon World Championships. Gettysburg College swim coach Mike Rawleigh was one of Lou’s favorite people and the two formed a loyal friendship. Lou would likely say that the golden years of his life were those swimming for coach Rawleigh and competing in triathlons. Many strong bonds were made through sport. Lou revered his local training and racing partners Kirk Corsello, Paul Ryan, Scott Coon, and Rick Brokaw.

After college, Lou earned his MBA from Loyola College. Lou worked in pharmaceutical sales before joining his father and brothers in the family business. Lou worked tirelessly to coordinate jobs and had a special knack for navigating challenging situations to a favorable outcome. Most recently, Lou worked for business magnate Steve Zwagil in the accounting department at Brothers Services.

Throughout his life Lou made many soulful connections. He cherished his heartfelt conversations with Paul Ryan and Dr. Amy Beacon. He deeply loved his dogs Sigmund, Tommy, and Tucker. But without a doubt, Lou’s hero was his father whose name he shared. Lou was a devout Catholic and a parishioner at St. Ignatius parish in Hickory. Lou would remind us all “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20).”

A visitation for Louis will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., 610 W MacPhail Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014 on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 8:45 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, Hickory, 533 E Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill, MD 21050. Entombment Bel Air Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Louis' memory may be made to St. Ignatius, Hickory - Roman Catholic Church, www.stignatiushickory.org/giving

The family welcomes all relatives and friends to Liberatore's in Bel Air following the services on Tuesday.