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JOSEPH OTT Obituary
JOSEPH C. "JOE"
Joe died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, July 11, 2014, following a two and a half year battle with esophageal cancer, fought with his customary determination, courage and humor. Joe was the beloved husband of Rae (Roedler) Ott; proud father of daughter, Michelle Crookenden (Charles); and son, Douglas Ott (Nidia); and loving grandfather to Oliver, Patrick and Grace Crookenden. His sister, Joan Davies (Allen); and brother, Patrick Ott (Joan), also survive him; as does Rae's daughter and granddaughter, Carrie and Brandi Hoberland. Joe's extended family includes brother-in-law, David (Andrea) Roedler; sisters-in-law, Lynn (Tim) Summerville and Beth Roedler; and many nieces and nephews. A civil engineering graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Joe was a pioneer in computer software, founding his first company, Ecco Consulting, in 1965, followed by Acclamation Systems and most recently, TowerMetriX. Joe also had the pleasure of serving as Chairman of Pitt's Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence and as longtime volunteer and Board Chair of Achieva, for whom he was a very successful fundraiser – no one could say no to Joe! Achieva created the annual "Joe Ott" award in his honor. Joe took huge delight in family, friends, and colleagues, whether pursuing a particularly challenging piece of software design, a day on the golf course, a good game of cards, a great meal or watching almost any sport. His agile mind, endless curiosity for learning, zest for life, generosity, and irreverent humor will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The Ott family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Mao and the staff at Allegheny General Hospital where Joe was treated, as well as to Celtic Hospice Care and Home Instead for their compassionate care. Services will take place at SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, 1600 Stone Mansion Dr., Franklin Park, PA 15143, with visitation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., followed by a celebration of Joe's life on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to Allegheny Oncology and Hematology Cancer Center, attention Pat Lind, 320 E. North Avenue, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh 15212. Please leave condolences at:
www.schellhaasfh.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Gardner
October 9, 2017
I just became aware of Joe's passing. I knew Joe since 1982 when I was involved in a software purchase. Joe, and many people within his organization became more than business partners to me. Joe was someone you don't forget. I still laugh when I recall phoning Joe at work and he would answer the phone and just say "Hello." I didn't have to ask if it was ECCO or Acclamation - you knew that voice !
May 6, 2016
Just thinking of my "POP" today in advance of Mother's Day! Thankful to still have TWO loving mom's both still independent and doing great after all these years. Dad and I had a bunch of great times together and wiped more than a few items off the bucket list together including an in-person Steelers Super Bowl win in Tampa. The old man always took time to "smell the flowers" and inspired me to always do what makes me happy and have a little extra fun along the way. He was imperfect like all of us but ethical honest and always polite / decent to the "average joes" who were not in any position in life to help him in any way. Kind to children pets and his mom. Still missed!! If your a friend of Joes and visiting S. CA feel free to give me a call (412)636-4400 D.C.O 4/16
Michelle Eugeni
August 11, 2014
I was privileged to know Mr. Ott during the short time he was at the National Institutes of Health. He never did get me to call him Joe! He always had a list of questions for me, which he would preface with a witty joke or remark! I truly appreciated his humor, intelligence and genuine interest in understanding all that was happening. His memory will stay with me always. Blessings and prayers to Rae, Michelle, and all his family.
JOAN & DON HAMMEL
July 18, 2014
Our friendship goes back many years; may your family find healing in cherished memories, may your spirit find comfort in the thoughts and prayers of those about you! Deepest sympathy to all!
Joan and Don Hammel
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Jeffrey St.Clair
July 18, 2014
Joe Ott was a unique individual, I am proud to have had the honor and privilege to know him. My prayers are with Rae and Joe's entire family
Thomas Marchese
July 16, 2014
To Rae and all of Joe's family. Please know that the news of Joe's passing affected me deeply and my only regret is that I wasn't there before he left. Above all he was a friend that I've never forgotten. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope God eases the days to come for you. I pray that you might have peace to know his best times have just begun. Thanks Joe, for the time we were able to share.
God Bless you all.
Tom Marchese
MARY KIRCHNER
July 16, 2014
Mr. Ott was always a very nice man.
james droney
July 15, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe was a wonderful humanitarian, and an excellent businessman.
He will be missed.
July 14, 2014
I worked for ASI from late 2006. Joe was a rare and special individual, and a good man to work for. I only wish I could have known him longer.
My prayers go out to everyone who valued him.
July 14, 2014
Thank you Mr. Ott for giving me an opportunity to work with you. You were a special guy with a wonderful wit and kindness about you. I know you are at peace with the Lord now. My prayers go out to your loved ones at this time.
mb
July 14, 2014
You were by far the biggest influence in my life for the past 25 years. The void you leave can never be filled. Thanks Joey!
mb
July 14, 2014
You were by far the biggest influence in my life for the past 25 years. The void you leave can never be filled. Thanks Joey!
Scott Cavanaugh
July 14, 2014
Rae & Family so sorry about your loss. Our deepest sympathy.
July 14, 2014
My Sympathies to all the members of Joe's family. I was very blessed to have the opportunity to be an employee of his for a few years. He could make everyone feel special and valued. I know he will be
missed by family, friends and all those of
us who were lucky enough to know him.
Lyndsay Brown
July 14, 2014
Mr. Ott, thank you for everything you have taught me throughout the 26 years of knowing you. I adored your humor and respected your intelligence. My deepest, deepest sympathy to the Ott family. Mr. Ott was a treasure, special to all who knew him.
July 14, 2014
Joe was a very special friend who made a difference in my life. I will miss him deeply but am glad that his pain will be over. He touched so many people in this world that I can only believe that he will do the same in heaven. My deep condolences to his entire family. Dorothy and Joe Horvath
Gary Horner
July 14, 2014
My condolences to the entire Ott family. It was a pleasure to have worked with Joe over the years he volunteered at ACHIEVA. His wit, generosity and dedication are things that I will always remember about him.
Debra Malanowski
July 14, 2014
Your kindness and devotion to all your charities goes a long way Mr. Joe. You will never know all the people you helped in so many ways! Sympathies to all the Ott Family, Respectfully, Deb Malanowski, ACHIEVA
July 13, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family at this difficult time. Jennifer Santry
July 13, 2014
Ott Family, I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Ott's passing. He fought the good fight. He was such a good friend to my father, and i know he will be missed by all who knew him. May God grant you peace during this time of mourning.
Jill Donohue Frederick (Dave Donohue's youngest daughter)
Joe Rizzo
July 13, 2014
Joe, thank you for all you did for me. You were a mentor, leader, and above all, a friend.
Good memories, will last forever.
God bless you. Riz
July 13, 2014
Joe thanks for all of the memories of the past years. I will miss your friendship and your humor. - Chas Schaldenbrand
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1600 Stone Mansion Dr., Sewickley, PA 15143
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