Stephen W. Ott Jr.

Stephen W. Ott, Jr. of Cheltenham passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024. He lived a full and happy life of 92 years, and appreciated every moment of it. Stephen will be missed by his family and friends, and all those fortunate to have known him.
Stephen is preceded in death by his beloved wife Lenore (née Miller) to whom he was married for 60 years. He is the loving and proud father of JoAnn Ott-Slenker (Kevin Slenker), Linda Ott (Michael Murphy) and Denise Ott (Sergio Martinez), and the dear PopPop of Alexandra, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Jarrett, William, Ethan, Stephen, and Julian.
Stephen was born September 30, 1931, in Philadelphia to Stephen W. Ott, Sr. and Helen (née Fink). Stephen Jr., along with his sister Helen, were raised in a hardworking and supportive family from whom he developed a keen, ironic sense of humor and learned the defining traits of loyalty, trustworthiness and integrity, by which he lived.
Stephen graduated from Frankford High School in 1950 and joined the Cheltenham Township Police Department at 21 years old. Stephen quickly moved through the ranks from Patrolman to Sergeant in 1959, Lieutenant in 1970, and was appointed as Chief of Police in 1980. Chief Ott served in this role for 21 years. At the time of his retirement in March 2001, he was the longest serving police officer in Cheltenham Township history. During his remarkable 48-year career in law enforcement, Stephen spearheaded the modernization of the Cheltenham Township Police Department and was awarded a Bravery Commendation as well as numerous regional, state and international recognitions. Stephen's colleagues knew him as an exemplary police officer, consummate professional, and a steadying role model for his department.
In addition to his work with Cheltenham Township, Stephen graduated from the 101st session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, served as President for Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and served on the Executive Committee for International Association for Chiefs of Police.
In spite of his many professional accomplishments, Stephen's greatest pride and purpose was his family and personal life. Stephen and Lenore married on April 27, 1957 and shared an extraordinary life together. They built their home in Cheltenham, where they welcomed three daughters, JoAnn, Linda, and Denise. For many years, Stephen worked two jobs, balancing a full-time law enforcement career with work as a country club groundskeeper and house painter. While Lenore dedicated her life to their children and her husband, Stephen attributed all he was and achieved to Lenore. Together, they welcomed all into their home, entertaining at Steve's bar, the storied hub of many spectacular gatherings. The comradery and laughter will forever ring at 706.
Stephen found comfort and peace in his steadfast faith, the many lifelong friendships he built, and the outdoors. He was an avid skier who was happiest on top of a mountain on a bitterly cold, snowy day. He skied for many, many years until his 80th year.
Stephen was a man of honor, ethics and humility. He was a confidant to many, including his three daughters. He appreciated the little things and counted his blessings. He was deeply grateful for the life he worked so hard to build and especially thankful for his daughters and the love, care and comfort they brought to him. Stephen will be tenderly missed and forever remembered.
Services are to be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Presentation BVM Parish, 100 Old Soldiers Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012. Visitation will begin at 9:30am and a funeral mass will be held at 11am, followed by burial at Lawnview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Cheltenham Township Police to strengthen the community through youth police camps and training resources for K-9 unit. Cheltenham Township Police Department, 8230 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
Family services are entrusted to the care of the Craft-Givnish Life Celebration Home, 215-659-2000.