Harry Willy Otto

Harry Willy Otto, age 92, passed away surrounded by his family on March 1, 2026. Harry was born May 23, 1933, in Green Lane, PA, the only child of Willy Max Otto and Helene Hedwig Otto.

Harry lived a life marked by curiosity, service, a love of technology and gadgets, and deep devotion to his family. A gifted scholar, Harry graduated from Muhlenberg College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1955, earned a Master of Science in Physical Chemistry in 1958, and completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry in 1961 at Pennsylvania State University.

In 1958, he married his beloved wife, Nancy Laudenslager, in Allentown, PA, and together they celebrated 67 years of marriage and many adventures. Together, they raised a family built on love, learning, travel, and a shared commitment to service.

Harry's work ethic began early. At age 16, he held his first job at the Green Lane Hosiery Mill as a handyman. He later worked in semi-finished aluminum and metal die casting production from 1952 to 1953. His professional career in chemistry began at Esso Research and Engineering Company in Linden, New Jersey, where he contributed to special projects on high-energy propellants, diesel engine combustion, and air-pollution emissions. As a senior research chemist, Harry focused on understanding air pollution and its impacts on vegetation, engineering an innovative smog chamber to study its effects on plant pathology.

In 1971, Harry and his family moved to Dover, Delaware, where he became the Director of the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Laboratory Section, a position he held until his retirement in 2009. In this leadership role, he oversaw advancements in environmental testing, the management of statewide environmental laboratories, and the operations of 17 air-monitoring stations, 2 oceanographic research vessels, and 40 field vehicles. Among his many accomplishments, one of the most significant was overseeing the construction of a new state-of-the-art laboratory in 1983 on the site of the former Richard & Robbins Cannery, now the Richards & Robins Building.

Harry was a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists and a lifelong member of the American Chemical Society. He served on many scientific and regulatory bodies, including the Atomic Energy Commission, the Appalachian States Low Level Radioactive Waste Commission, and the Delaware River Basin Commission. He also contributed his expertise to advisory roles with the Nuclear Radiology Commission and the NOAA Sea Grant.

Dedicated to community service, Harry volunteered with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 53 years and served in various leadership roles. His love of music and family lead him to become active in the Caesar Rodney Band Parents Association for 4 years, serving as president from 1985-1986. One of his most meaningful service projects was restoring the chimes at People's Church of Christ in Dover, DE, where he helped lead improvements over the years.

Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, Harry was a man of many passions. He loved gardening, camping, boating, fishing, reading, music, and spending time with his family.

Harry is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his four children, Susan Kooker (Kevin), Barbara McCleary (Rob), Carolyn Dunch (Ronald), and David Otto (Robin), eight grandchildren, Partrick McCleary (Jessica Baird), Erin McCleary (Jacob Ziff), Evan McCleary, Andrew Kooker, Ashley Kooker, Joseph Otto, Cooper Otto, and Brody Otto, and two great grandchildren, Juniper and Owen McCleary. We will remember him for his kindness, intellect, humility, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

The family will receive friends at the Torbert Funeral Home, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE, 19901, with visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am followed by a service.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund at https://mycgma.org/donate or People's Church of Dover at Donate.