Robert T. Otto

DUDLEY, Mass. - Robert T. "Bob" Otto, 89, formerly of Yalesville, Conn., beloved husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" Kashur Otto and loving father of Robin Otto Watson, peacefully passed away at his daughter's home in Dudley, Mass., on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, after a brief period of congestive heart failure, with his daughter at his side.

Born in Meriden on July 11, 1924, son of the late John A. and Franciska "Frances" Schott Otto, he had been a Yalesville resident since 1957. Bob and Betty were married September 18, 1954 and celebrated their 50th anniversary before her passing in 2005. Bob was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Church. Bob attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Meriden High School in 1942.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 10, 1943 at the age of 18. Following basic training, he joined the 101st Airborne Division, 502 Regiment, C Company. He first saw combat as a paratrooper when he dropped at Normandy Beach France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He dropped again in Holland during Operation Market Garden on Sept. 17, 1944. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded on Dec. 29, 1944 in the Battle of the Bulge, Bastogne, Belgium. He also received the American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

Bob retired from the Napier Company in 1986 after more than 25 years of employment as a buffer. Previously he had worked for Horton Printing, New Departure, and American Crucibles.

Bob had many talents. He built his own home, handled plumbing and electrical work, and repaired his own cars. He was an excellent gardener. In his youth, he played semi-professional football in Connecticut. Bob was an active member of the Sheehan High School Music Parents Association for 4 years.

After his retirement, he enjoyed travelling with his family to Europe, California, Hawaii, Florida, and throughout New England. He was a huge fan of the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, and UCONN Women's Basketball.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Robin O. Watson of Dudley, Mass.; his granddaughter, Kaitlin Joy Watson, of Galveston, Texas; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Otto, of Meriden;his brother-in-law, A. James Tiezzi, of Newington; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty; his son-in-law Bob Watson; and his 7 siblings and their spouses: Dorothy and Frank Battick; Albert Otto; Gertrude and Edward Wolski; Frances Otto; John and Barbara Otto; Lawrence and Stasia Irene Otto; and Elizabeth "Betty" Tiezzi.

His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., on Thursday, Dec. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will be in the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children–Galveston (Pediatric Burn Unit) c/o Connie Boyd, 815 Market St., Galveston, TX 77550; or Overlook VNA (Hospice), P. O. Box 1000 Charlton, MA 01517; or to a charity of one's choice. www.wallingfordfh.com