Jess D. Otley Jr.

Jess D. Otley Jr. 84, of Earleville, Maryland died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 23, 2013. He was born in Philadelphia, March 26, 1928, son of the late Jesse and Catharine (Kate) Otley of Montgomery County, PA. He had been a full time resident of Earleville for the last fourteen years and was affectionately referred to as "The Baron of the Bohemia." Jess was a 1946 graduate of The Haverford School and a 1950 graduate of Gettysburg College, where he earned a B.A. in pre-medicine. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa and honorary biological and chemistry fraternities. After graduation, Jess commenced a career in the masonry industry, being employed with several prominent Philadelphia commercial construction and subcontracting enterprises including John B. Kelly Inc. where he served as project manager, estimator, treasurer, vice president and director. He was a broker for Reynolds Securities and was president of Energy Enterprises. Jess also successfully managed private farming operations. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union Local No. 1 of PA. Jess was also a former vice president and director of the Subcontractor Association of the Delaware Valley and was a former member of the Rotary Club of Philadelphia and the Maryland Society of Pennsylvania. While a PA resident, he was an active member at Gladwyne Presbyterian Church. Jess was always generous and maintained a good sense of humor. He loved a sunny beach and was a skilled sailor, fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed gathering friends and family at "Buzzards Bluff" for BBQs and libations at his homes tiki bar. In retirement, he could frequently be found dockside with a good book, his cat, family dogs, and the company of river "Pirates". He is survived by five children; Karen E. Otley of Lake Wales, FL, Kris A. Moore of Earleville, MD, Melinda Ryan of Round Rock, TX, Jess D. Otley III of Earleville, MD and Tracy E. Viola of Wayne, PA; eight grandchildren; and one sibling, Alma Hix of Estes Park, CO. Jess was predeceased by two siblings, Gloria Hamilton of Downingtown, PA and Carl H. Otley of Belfast, ME. A celebration of life is planned for June 2nd, 2013 at his Bohemia River home. Written condolences and tributes may be expressed at the Galena Funeral Home web site: www.galenafuneralhomeofsls.com 410-648-5338, Galena, MD.