Joseph L. Otello Jr.

Joe was the son of Joseph L. Otello, Sr. and Ruth V. (Decker) Otello. He married his wife, Donna Hotaling Otello, in 1985. That same year, they purchased Beach Tavern, a Circa 1790 stagecoach inn. Joe spent the next 35 years committed to the preservation and restoration of this historic, local treasure.

Joe started working at the age of 16 at the Oneonta Country Club. He went on to a myriad of jobs, including local restarant work and the building trade. In the 1990's he returned to college, graduating from SUNY Delhi, SUNY Oneonta, and the College of Saint Rose. He taught K-3 Special Education, working at Center Street and Valleyview Elementary Schools. Working with his students brought great joy to his life.

He retired from teaching in 2014 and enjoyed his walks, practicing yoga, traveling, and working in his gardens. He also enjoyed ceramics and had a knack for creating beautiful pottery pieces which he loved to give to family and friends.

Joe was a devoted family man. He dearly loved his sister, Linda Oliver and her husband, John. He cherished their two sons: Peter and his wife Lisa and their two girls, Alaina and Brooke; and Joseph (JJ) and his wife Jen and their two girls Viola and Lily. He deeply loved all his cousins and their children, many of whom referred to him as "Uncle Joe." Joe is predeceased by his parents and beloved cousins, Norma, Gina, Lorraine and David.

On Friday, February 21, visitation will be held from 5-7pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta. If they wish, visitors may bring an identified picture of them and Joe to hang on the board. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, February 22, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta. There will be a reception and memorial gathering immediately following the service at the St. Mary's Parish Center across the street.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in Joe's name, to the Franklin Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 8, Franklin, NY 13775. These dedicated volunteers worked valiantly to save Joe, for which the family will be eternally grateful.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

If we could choose the best way for our journey here on earth to end, it would be Joe's way-loving our family and friends; proud of our life's accomplishments; and at peace with ourselves.