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David Otto Memoriam
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Memories and Condolences
for David Otto
Charles LaGreca
February 12, 2025
I was just boasting that I knew Dave the day before yesterday.
Sharee Fish
February 20, 2023
Dave Otto was my Executive Officer on USS DIXON! My condolences to his family. He was a GREAT Leader. He took a ship that had not deployed for awhile and got us ready for the Persian Gulf! He was amazing and I have always had tremendous respect for him! Prayers to all.
Charles LaGreca
February 12, 2022
Dave and I were very good friends but having read his story, I was struck by what a modest giant I knew. I doubt that I´ll ever know anyone that will equal Dave.
Douglas Atkins
October 13, 2020
I miss him more now than ever. He was a quiet titan among those whose difficult deeds remain mostly unknown.
Charles LaGreca
February 12, 2020
The ONLY thing I don't miss about Dave is his deceptive racquetball serve. I'm still trying to mimic it and I think of him every time. I think of him every day.
September 1, 2018
I had the great experience of serving twice with David. The first time was on the USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN 617) in the early to mid 60's and then again on the USS Pigeon (ASR 21) in 1979-80. He was an excellent ship handler and a great mentor on Pigeon. He is missed greatly.
LCDR William (Bill) Kerr, USN Ret.
Duane Mazzacavallo
March 24, 2018
I was a classmate of Dave's at Mendel High School. I remember him as a quiet guy who sat in the back of the class and was never without a paperback book, often reading in class if the instructor was not too observant. Happy to see that he remained an avid reader! Good guy.
Sorry to hear of his passing.
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
March 18, 2018
Bill Preece
March 3, 2018
Condolences to the Otto family. I didn't know the Cdr. personally, but I did serve on USS Alexander Hamilton, long before Cdr. Otto did, and I think I would have been proud to have served under him. Sailor, rest your oar, fore we have the watch now. Pride Runs Deep
Brotherhood of the Dolphin
Nick Nichols
March 2, 2018
To the Otto Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on David's passing. We grieve with you on the death of your loved one and our shipmate. The SUBVETS will have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and David will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot. BRAVO ZULU SHIPMATE!!
CDR(SS) David Otto
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain
February 25, 2018
R. I.P. David. You are a true hero. We went to Mendel together. I believe we were in the same section together.
Tim Jakubowski
Class of 1962 Mendel C.H.S.
R.S.V.N. 1966-1967.
Grampa and Auggie heading on an adventure. Miss you Dad.
Jodi Perez
February 21, 2018
Joe Palumbo
February 21, 2018
On behalf of the Alumni of Mendel Catholic High School of which David graduated in 1962, we wish you Godspeed on your final journey. We are very proud of your accomplishments and will keep you and your loved ones in our prayers.
God Bless You, Monarch!
Joe Palumbo,
Chairman of the Mendel Hall of Fame
[email protected]
February 20, 2018
So sorry to hear about David. You have so many wonderful memories. You are in my prayers
Love and God Bless
Linda Glynn O'Dell
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 20, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 20, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 20, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 20, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 20, 2018
Mary G.
February 20, 2018
Mary G.
February 20, 2018
David Jr. and Sr.
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 20, 2018
With Robert Ballard during Titanic expedition
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 20, 2018
12/25/17
C
February 20, 2018
February 19, 2018
Cdr. David was a long time racquetball friend and we had that common Navy link as a Navy Corpsman. I remember getting to "Treat" Dave once after getting hit in the face with a racquet and a resulting nasty cut. I closed with wound with steri- stips. Was tickled to no treatment was necessary. I respected David for his accomplishments and career. He certinally will be missed. Blessings.
February 19, 2018
Really saddened to hear of my captains passing. I learned a great deal from him when I served as his XO in Ortolan. A great man and mentor. My sincerest condolences to the family, Don Cope
Steve Parr
February 19, 2018
I had the pleasure to serve under him while he was the executive officer on board USS Pigeon and then, later, while he was commanding officer of the USS Ortolan.
I remember him as he quiet man with a commanding presence.
Rest In Peace...
Louis Vertosnik
February 19, 2018
My condolences to the family. I served under Captain Otto on board the USS Ortolan. A great captain makes for a great ship and crew. Fair winds and following sea's sir.
February 19, 2018
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SERVING UNDER HIM ON THE ORTOLAN DURING THE TITANIC EXPEDITION. THE BEST CO I HAVE EVER HAD. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Penny. J
February 19, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Otto. Draw close to God in prayer in your time of grief as he promises to stay close to you. Romans 12:12
Charles LaGreca
February 19, 2018
A great friend. I will miss him terribly.
Bruce Rossi
February 18, 2018
Condolences, RIP,
Bruce Rossi
Uss Alexander Hamilton
1980-1984
Bill Dulaney
February 18, 2018
CDR. Otto was a great naval officer. We were in saturation dive school together in 1978. He was an LT. then. I later served under him when he was the skipper on the Ortolan. So sorry to hear of his passing. praying for the family.
BMCM (DV-PJ) Bill Dulaney
Ken Moore
February 18, 2018
Great boss, great sense of humor, great memories...was an honor knowing him and serving with him. Sad to hear this. RIP Commander.
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
Mary Gomez-Espana
February 18, 2018
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