JOSEPH SANTO OTERI

1930 - 2020

BORN

1930

DIED

2020

JOSEPH OTERI Obituary

OTERI, Joseph Santo Raconteur and Trial Lawyer Joe Oteri died peacefully at his home in West Newton on November 22, days after celebrating his 90th birthday. His life, however, was rarely peaceful but gratefully filled with fellow criminal trial lawyers (certifiable), page one criminals (allegedly), a big Sicilian family (loving, naughty) and a loyal cast of Marines (the best of the best). Raised in Southie by his mother, Pauline Zangla Oteri, he attended BC High, BC and BC Law. Triple eagle (actually three-quarter eagle). He had a 'beef' with a classmate, threw a punch, the guy ducked, and the hit landed on a Jesuit priest standing behind; thus, senior year at Cathedral High. Joe enlisted in the Marines on his college graduation day and drove to Parris Island for boot camp. Though he wanted desperately to lead troops in battle, his superiors pulled him off the ship to Korea making him a JAG officer. This led him to BC Law. His divorce lawyer days ended when shot three times on the steps of the courthouse by his client's husband, a Boston cop, who proceeded to shoot his wife then himself. His legal career spanned 70 years, worldwide. He appeared on the original PBS 'The Advocates' with many appearances on 'Good Morning America.' 'The Joe Oteri Show' earned him a Peabody award. He always intentionally said the most outrageous things on air, knowing that the audience wanted a rascal, not a bore…bleeps galore. Though TV appearances entertained him, trial law captured his heart and mind. He tried the first case to legalize marijuana in 1967 and won an acquittal in the first case to use PTSD as a criminal defense in 1980. Juries presented the greatest thrill and challenge, and he charmed them one by one leading to many dozens of jury acquittals and a well-earned reputation as a legendary criminal defense lawyer. He argued twice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Joe's generosity, intelligence combined with street smarts, kindness (unless he didn't like you), sense of humor and story-telling talent were legendary. A dyed in the wool democrat, he bragged of his love for Bill Weld (R) and support for Charlie Baker (R). He wanted his epitaph to read "he's got no change coming." His favorite words contained four letters. Among the large family he adored and who will forever love him, are his wife Debbie Sampson (he was her world), his daughter Paula Mulcahy (Paul Mulcahy), his grandchildren Jacklyn Ward Frontiero (Dave Frontiero), Catherine Mulcahy, Andrew Mulcahy and his great-granddaughter Elliana. He was predeceased by his first wife Ann Driscoll Oteri. He was larger than life, and his escapades will be rehashed and celebrated in 2021 with Bombay Sapphire martinis (no more than 2 each!) and Pasta E Fagioli from Limoncello. Please give to your favorite charity in his memory or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For online condolences, please visit bostoncremation.org

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Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH OTERI

11 Entries

Gary Decicco

May 5, 2025

I will always remember fondly all of his intriguing stories and wonderful conversations. He literally was the most interesting man in this world. Love Joe always ..

Elliott Francis

May 4, 2025

It's been many years, but Joe and I first met on the witness stand. I was 13 years old and Joe was defending my mom, Marcia Francis in a case were she was accused of shooting and killing an intruder in our home in Dorchester. We only spoke briefly before my testimony, but it was clear to me that this guy was going to do the very best he could for mom. Massachusetts had no 'Castle Doctrine' at the time so although the jury did convict mom for manslaughter, she only spent 6-months in Framingham. Without Joe's help, the result could have been much worse. All that said, I recall he was just a really nice guy. I'm 70 now and I've thought about Joe often through the years...celebrate his life!

Billy Herd

July 27, 2024

Joe Oteri represented me when I was a juvenile in 1969..He shared the story of his youth with me and wanted me to have a good life.it´s been good times and not so good times..He offered to mentor me!! I was a little bit untamed ..Joe Oteri was a very good man..Great reputation..kind and generous! God Bless !

Jim Rosen

December 8, 2020

Jim Rosen

December 8, 2020

Joseph grimm

December 6, 2020

Joe was, and continues to be, an inspiration for swashbuckling trial attorneys across the country.

I had the privilege of working with Joe and Joseph Collins, Col USMCR, on a court-martial in 2010. I was a Captain in the Marine Corps at that time and a young trial attorney trying to learn the ropes. Joe had been hired to represent a military defendant facing court-martial charges for espionage. I don’t think I quite knew what I was getting myself into the first time I met Joe in Oceanside, California, in 2008; Joe was probably around 80 years old at that point and seemed like your typical, mild mannered, 80 year old attorney. Was I wrong. In short, it was the wildest case with which I’ve ever been associated. Over the course of the next two years, I was part of Joe’s defense team out-maneuvering the prosecution every step of the way. Even at 80, Joe was a force to be reckoned with in court and he had a way of charming everyone (judges, court staff, prosecutors, witnesses) with which he dealt. The military prosecutors finally threw in the towel dismissing the charges in exchange for cooperation against the remaining defendants.

The best part of working with Joe though was the parties after the workday. Even at 80, Joe knew how to have a good time. He knew how to enjoy life like few others do. He would call me when he landed at San Diego International Airport from Boston and say in his thick Boston accent “Josey, me and Joe Collins just landed at the airport. Go to the liquor store, and buy two bottles of Glenlivit Scotch and meet us at the beach cottage for cocktails.” After working a long day, we would usually go to the best Italian restaurant we could find, and after an hours-long feast (which Joe always insisted on paying for) we’d end up at Joe’s place for more conversation and cocktails. Our alcohol consumption didn’t go unnoticed. The last time I saw Joe and Debrah in 2014, Debrah mentioned “Josey, I’ve never seen Joe drink as much as when you two get together.” I think Debrah and my wife were happy that Joe and I didn’t get together too often!

Joe was a great mentor and a friend. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Joseph Grimm

Larry May

December 3, 2020

Joe was my first attorney beginning in 1960 and for many years afterwards. Moreso, he was always a good and supportive friend throughout years.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis

Sligo, Ireland and Ragusa, Sicily

Mark Dachs

November 30, 2020

I met Joe about a year after I graduated law school. (Although he may not have cared to admit it) Joe was my mentor. He was a great lawyer and a great friend for 40 years. We had a lot of laughs together. Debbie, Paula: please accept our deepest condolences.

Gary Decicco

November 29, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. My family and I will always remember you as a wonderful beautiful person

Michael Sullivan

November 29, 2020

To the Oteri Family

Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan

Patricia N.

November 27, 2020

Condolences to the Oteri and Mulcahy families. Paula, Paul, Jackie, Cate and Andrew, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dad and Papa.

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