January 01, 1970
William L. Otterbein, of Ross Twp. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children.
He was the loving father of; William, Mary (Andrew) Racek , Lisa, Thomas (Victoria), Peter (Melynda), and grandfather of Marie (Jeff) Meuhlethaler, all of whom were brought up in the family home.
Bill is survived by his 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. He set a wonderful example through love, unconditional support, and faith that shaped the lives of his family. He is predeceased by his wife Cecilia.
His parents were John & Anna(Staudt) Otterbein. They had two wonderful sons, Bill and his older brother John (Mary), both born in New Brunswick, NJ. All are predeceased.
He graduated from the Jesuit school, Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City in 1952.
He enrolled in the United States Marine Officers Training Corp, and was honorably discharged with a rank of 1st Lieutenant in 1954.
Bill fell in love with Cecilia Flanagan, the sister of his very good high school friend, Ed, from Saint Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, NJ. While in the Service, he would occasionally find a jump seat on a military transport plane out of his Puerto Rico Marine base to visit with Cecilia back in NJ. They married in 1956.
In 1967, after establishing their young family of five children in Rahway, NJ, he took a job with US Steel Chemicals in Pittsburgh. He was instrumental in the launch of US Steel Chemical’s international business and was recognized for his exemplary sales skills that accelerated the firm’s international expansion.
His career took him around the world and introduced him to different cultures that often led to life-long friendships. He occasionally incorporated these travel
experiences with his family.
Despite his overseas travel, he managed his schedule to ensure that he attended his children’s sports events. In addition to the wonderful life Bill and Cecilia provided for their family, they gave us a lifetime of exciting travel and summers at the Jersey Shore.
There was a very special connection to all of his grand and great grandchildren who looked forward to his fun. He proficiently embraced social media to specifically engage with his family and friends. He enjoyed listening to songs from Big Band to Broadway and filled our home with a diversity of music. Frank Sinatra was one of his favorites among other greats of that era. Cue – “Summer Wind”
We will be telling his stories when we need a good laugh or cry. We’ll be thinking of him and missing him terribly in all of the moments of our lives and will keep him close in our hearts.
Bill was an absolutely wonderful guy to so many. He retained his sharp mind and wit through to the last moment. He didn’t want his time in this world to end. We were so proud of his determination.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Sebastians R.C. Church. North Hills, on Wednesday, May 22, 10:00 AM.
Internment will take place in NJ where he will be at rest with his beloved Cecilia.
Contributions may be made to:
Holy Cross Academy
(Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish at Saint Sebastian campus)
307 Siebert Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
holycrossacademypgh.org
We are sorry for your loss. Bill was a good person and a terrific neighbor. His smile and friendly conversation will be missed. Sincerely, David, Maria, Ryan, Kyle and Skyler
I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to you all, Your loving Father, Gramps and friend will definitely be missed. I see a ray of light in his children and their children that only great parents can inspire and instill. Bill was a very good man. I will miss him.
to have that only great parents instill. H
I am so grateful to have known him through his wonderful family. He was at the helm for many years holding the watch over them. Now he can rest. God Bless.