Gary V Otten

Gary Vincent Otten was born on February 19, 1946 and passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Mary and Edwin Otten. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Ann Otten; children Erin Parsons and her husband Grant; Meghan Yakaboski and her husband Mark; his grandchildren Emma and Gavin Parsons and Jade, Tanner and Mila Yakaboski; brother Steve Otten; brother and sister in laws Lynne and Keith Mathews, Mary and Cliff Kostuk and Teri Kostuk. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews: Grace and Austin Otten; Jennifer Mathews; Kristy Mathews and her children Bryce and Morgan; Michael Mathews and his wife Jackie and children Tyler, Ava and Eliana; Andrew Kostuk and his wife Shannon and children Landon and Luca; Lauren Kostuk; Kay Barfield and her husband Michael; Kelley Wigham and her husband Ben and children Harper and Charlie; and Jason Kostuk and his wife Katie and children Warren and Ella.

Gary was born in Brooklyn, New York, where he spent much of his childhood surrounded by his grandparents and extended family. He later moved to Massapequa Park, graduating from high school there before attending Murray State University in Kentucky to pursue a degree in education. After completing college, he was drafted into the Army and spent two years in Korea during the Vietnam War — service he remained deeply proud of throughout his life.

Upon returning home, Gary was hired by the Three Village School District as a physical education teacher. After earning his Master’s degree, he transitioned to Minnesauke Elementary School, where he taught fourth grade full time. Early in his teaching career, he met Ann, who also taught in the district and would become his wife. They married on February 21, 1976 and lived in Rocky Point for six years before settling in Wading River, where they raised their daughters and remained until his passing.

Gary retired in 2001, and Ann followed a few years later. Together, they spent their retirement traveling to places such as Alaska, Sanibel, Maine, Hawaii, various National Parks, and Walt Disney World — often with their daughters, sons‑in‑law, and grandchildren, creating some of the most treasured memories of his life.

Gary’s greatest pride in life was the joy and love he found in being “Papa” to his five grandchildren.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family asks for donations to please be made to the Warrior Ranch. 

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