Paul Douglas Otto

"Rejoice in Paul's victory and healing, and homecoming, even as you miss him" Paul Douglas Otto, age 71, passed away peacefully at Manchester Presbyterian Lodge, on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, following a long, hard-fought battle with P.S.P. (a rare brain disease). Paul was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on August 27, 1940, the only son of Frank and Frances (Kolakowski) Otto. After attending Lyndonville High School, N.Y., he attended Clarkson College, Syracuse University, and graduated from Gannon in Erie. He came to Erie in 1961 for an internship at Hammermill Paper Company. It was then that he met his future wife, Carolie. They were married almost 48 years, and had two daughters Wendy and Heidi. Paul was the very proud owner and president of Janitor Jim, Inc., until his retirement in 2007 due to illness. He previously worked at Connecticut General Life Insurance, A.O. Smith and Elgin Electronics. Paul was a member of Saint Jude the Apostle Church for over 25 years. He was a senior member of the Erie Yacht Club, and past member of Presque Isle Yacht Club, Erie Maennerchor, Lakeshore Country Club, Saints & Sinners, and B.S.C.A.I. (Building Service Contractor's Assn., Int'l.) He was also a long-time supporter of WQLN and Camp Notre Dame. Paul "relaxed" by "working". When not at Janitor Jim, he could be found grooming his yard, or caring for the property surrounding Janitor Jim. He seemed happiest when on his boat "Sea Otter", or driving his 1965 ½ red Mustang convertible. He also loved music, both jazz and classical, and traveling. Paul will be remembered for a wonderful sense of humor, always positive attitude through devastating times, being an ethical and honest businessman, and being strong and supportive of his family. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Witkop; brother-in-law, Dick Miller, and niece, Gretchen Miller. He is survived by his wife, Carolie (Caldwell) Otto; two daughters, Wendy (Ken) Paradiny, and Heidi (John) Fette (he considered his sons-in-law "sons"); sisters, Elaine (Anthony) Illos and Joan Miller; brother-in-law, Ron Witkop; and many very special nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday from 5 until 8 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Boulevard, and may attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Jude the Apostle Church, 2801 West 6th St., on Saturday at 12 noon, with Rev. John Detisch, Celebrant. Private burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Manchester Presbyterian Lodge Caring for Life Fund, 6351 West Lake Road, Erie, 16505, or Cure P.S.P. Foundation, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093. Special thanks to "our family" at Manchester Presbyterian Lodge (you know who you are), and Dr. Leo Swantek, family physician and friend. Add condolences and photos at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com