Otto DiStefano

In Loving Memory of
Otto Richard DiStefano
October 24, 1949 – July 15, 2025Otto Richard DiStefano, of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025, at the age of 75, following a diagnosis of leukemia. Born in Poughkeepsie on October 24, 1949, Otto graduated from Arlington High School in 1967 as an honor student and a standout athlete in both baseball and football. That year, he was named Dutchess County's Outstanding High School Athlete, voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates, and awarded the trophy for highest batting average.He went on to earn a degree in mathematics from Wagner College in Staten Island, where he also played college baseball. In 2013, Otto was inducted into the Dutchess County Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong passion and achievements in the sport.Otto served for 32 years with the New York State Office of Mental Health, retiring in 2007. He was also a devoted member of Mount Carmel Church in Poughkeepsie, where he served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister-offering quiet support and spiritual care to others in his faith community.In retirement, Otto flourished. He and his wife, Barbara, shared a deep love of fishing, especially in the Florida Keys. He enjoyed hiking with his son and grandson in the Adirondacks and on local trails. A dedicated gardener and craftsman, Otto grew grapes, made wine and bread, and even built a backyard pizza and bread oven. He loved paddling and took on the challenge of designing and building his own ultralight canoes.Otto was a man of quiet generosity, deep curiosity, and unwavering love for his family. He brought warmth, skill, and a calm spirit to all that he did.He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara DiStefano (LaGrange, NY); daughter Laura DiStefano and her husband Frank Francavilla (Ancramdale, NY); son Chris DiStefano (Saranac Lake, NY); and grandson Milo Francavilla. He is also survived by his brothers Edmund (Henrico, NC), Alan (Coral Springs, NC), and John DiStefano (Willow Springs, NC), and his dear Aunt Betty DiStefano (Poughkeepsie, NY).He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Grace DiStefano, and his sisters, Theresa Pollak and Lisa DiStefano.Visitation will be held Monday July 21st from 10am to 11am at the Timothy Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY with a service to follow at 11am. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery Poughkeepsie, NY.If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com