Robert J."Bob" Otterman

Robert J. "Bob" Otterman passed away at home on May 6, 2016, from complications of Multiple System Atrophy. He was 83.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents John and Marguerite Otterman, high school sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Carolyn (1997), sister Doris Hahn, and brother Richard Otterman.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Barbara; son and daughter-in-law John and Janice Otterman, daughter and son-in-law Robyn and Warren Russell, and grandchildren John Jay and Jenna Otterman, and Ryan, Robert, and Ross Russell. He also leaves his sisters Linda Vaughn (Bob Shield) and Janet Passeos, and brother and sister-in-law Frank and Cheryl Otterman.

A lifelong of resident of Akron, Bob graduated from West High School in 1950, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War and was later inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. He graduated from the University of Akron where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Bob began his teaching career at Central High School, continued teaching, coaching, and counseling at South High School, and finished his 31-year career as an educator in 1991 while serving as a counselor at Ellet High School. Bob's political career began in 1969 as an Akron City Councilman. He continued serving on Akron City Council until 2001 when he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives where he served as a State Representative until 2008. He returned to serve on Akron City Council until his retirement in 2011 capping a 41-year career as a public servant.

Throughout his entire life, Bob volunteered for countless community and political organizations. It would be impossible to list all of the people and groups that touched Bob's heart. Your needs truly were his needs and he recognized the importance of getting things done for each and every one of you. Bob's dedication to his students, the Ellet community, and the citizens of the Akron area, his mentoring of many individuals, and his love of family and friends will be long remembered. He was a gentle man who showed compassion, caring, and kindness to everyone.

Calling hours will be Thursday, May 12, 2016, from 12 to 3 pm and 5 to 8 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 13, 2016, at 11 am at St. Matthew Church, 2580 Berne St., Akron. Interment immediately following at Hillside Memorial Park Mausoleum.