Michael Case Otis

1949 - 2024

Otis, Michael Case
TOWN OF WRIGHT - Michael Case Otis, 74, passed away suddenly on August 7, 2024. Born October 1, 1949, in Saranac Lake, N.Y., to Maurice and Clorice (Case) Otis. Mike graduated from Bethlehem Central School and from the University of Michigan in 1972 with an architecture degree and was a proud brother of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He worked in I.T. for the New York State Department of Correctional Services in various departments, including education. In the early years of computing, Mike was skilled at computer building and repair and always had a project going. He was a self-taught musician, who learned to play the fiddle by ear, and became a luthier whose impressive custom Otis mandolins were touted by several famous mandolinists and professional luthiers. He built fiddles, could repair any stringed instrument, and loved teaching his many fiddle and mandolin students over the years. Mike was a longtime volunteer with Old Songs, and he ran the instrument exchange for many years. Skiing at Plattekill Mountain was a favorite pastime, having safety meetings with his ski buddies and "The Cardenal" in the Hundred Acre Woods. Mike also developed a love for golf in his later years, and especially loved The Iron Works. Mike loved art, architecture, nature, fishing, woodworking, and had an eclectic taste in music. He designed and built their home (with help) with a meticulous attention to detail, much like all areas of his life. He recently added a master bedroom addition, inspired by a Pendleton catalog, and said he wanted Bee to feel like she was in the nicest hotel room she'd ever seen. He found great pride and joy in his handiwork, his friends, and his family.
We will miss him so very much and are so glad that he and Bee will be together forever.
Survived by two daughters, Kellie (John) Fredericks and Kate Otis (Eli Rabinowitz); four grandchildren, Benjamin Fredericks (Meghan Todd), Leah Fredericks (Brendon VanVlack), and Aidan and Sophia Rabinowitz; siblings, Fitz-Edward II (Edit), Judith (the late Richard Wilson), and M. Pamela (Richard Curreri); and many nieces; nephews; grandnieces; and grandnephews.
Mike was survived by the love of his life, Mary Elisabeth (Bee), for only eight hours. He was an amazing caretaker through her long illness, and had been so worried about living without her. They lived a true love story right to the end of their lives, and the family remains so very comforted that they are still together.
Services will be held jointly for both Mike and Bee with calling hours being held from 3-6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 14, at the Langan Funeral Home, 327 Main St., Schoharie, followed by the funeral at 6 p.m. Joint interments will be held at 10 a.m., on Thursday, August 15, at the Gallupville Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mike to the Joshua Project, P.O. Box 413, Middleburgh, N.Y. 12122. Please visit, www.langanfuneralhome.com for further information or to leave a special message for Mike's family and friends.