Arthur A. Ottimo, 75, of Hackettstown, New Jersey, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 28th 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born in the Bronx, New York, on January 13, 1943, Arthur was the son of the late Attilio Ottimo and Brunetta Gravina Ottimo and the brother of the late Adele Ottimo Neu. At age 16, Arthur moved to Bergenfield, New Jersey with his family, where he attended Bergenfield High School and Farleigh Dickinson University.
Arthur served his country for two years in the United States Army. He fought overseas in Vietnam and Korea. In 1965, he married Marlene Bavosa.
Arthur was a well-respected business man who touched many people’s lives. His career spanned 50 years in the hardware industry.
Sports were an important part of Arthur’s life whether it be playing, coaching, or enjoying being a spectator. He was a 20 year member of Panther Valley Golf and Country Club and an avid golfer. Other interests include vacationing and gambling, but what was most important to Arthur, was spending time with his family.
Arthur is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marlene, and his three children; Audra Sarafin and husband Robert, Arthur Ottimo and wife Natalie, and Michele Merrick and husband Ryan as well as 7 grandchildren; Andrew, Brian, Ashleigh, Robbie, Rose, Jack, and Logan.
A mass will be held at Good Shepard Roman Catholic Church, 48 Tranquility Road, Andover at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday October 3, 2018. A Celebration of Life will follow at Mattar’s Bistro on Route 517, Hackettstown.
In honor of Arthur and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association or to Arthur’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Condolences:
Barbara Valentino Baptiste
#17
October 13th, 2018 8:02 pm
Dear Marlene,
Only yesterday I heard of Artie's passing. I am so very sorry for your and your family's loss. I remember when Artie first met you and was totally smitten from "hello." In my mind's eye, I still think of Artie & Richie Pierson swaggering into Luhman's Ice Cream Parlor in Bergenfield, sporting their football jackets, as if they owned the world, at least their world. Life is way too short. I have to believe Artie, Richie P, and Richie Carrara are celebrating in heaven together. Hugs, Barbara
Diane Goulart
#16
October 7th, 2018 4:34 pm
Marlene & Family: I am so sorry to hear of Art's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ron and Joyce ASHER
#15
October 6th, 2018 12:47 pm
Dear Marlene and Family,
We are heartbroken that we will never be able to enjoy Art's great hugs again. We have lost a wonderful friend. It was our privilege to know him. We send our love to you and your family at this time.
Tarcia Smith Bush
#14
October 2nd, 2018 4:37 pm
Art, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. I did not know him but knowing you says a lot about him. I know how close your family is and this will be a difficult time. Lean on each other and remember you also have many friends that care about you and are here for you.
Diane Cofoni
#13
October 2nd, 2018 8:25 am
So sorry Marlene about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Carleen Thum
#12
October 1st, 2018 8:36 pm
Dear Marlene, I am so very sorry to hear about Artie’s death. I send my deepest and most loving sympathy to you and your family. I plan to join you as you celebrate his life on Wednesday. Love, Carleen
Mike & Vita Fazzolare
#11
October 1st, 2018 7:18 pm
Someone so special can never be forgotten. I always enjoyed talking to him at my restaurant and how he’d have me cracking up about how much he loved food. We want to express our sympathy and let you know that our thoughts are with you.
Laura DeMaria
#10
October 1st, 2018 7:01 pm
Dear Marlene and family,
My very sincere sympathy on the loss of Art. May his great love for his family always be near and dear in your heart, as well as all the wonderful memories.
Christopher Zicarelli
#9
October 1st, 2018 5:11 pm
Arthur, as I called him, was my second father. When I lost my dad, he just took over. For no other reason, then just because. He was, A man amongst men. He was a man i will hold dear to heart and always look back on his words of wisdom. Not everyone is privileged to know such a man, but I have to say from my heart, I WAS ONE GUY WHO DID. He was a true gentlemen. To say I will miss him is an understatement, but our time will be cherished until we meet on the other side. Rest in peace. Thank you for everything! All my love and then some Arthur.
Martin Staunton
#8
October 1st, 2018 4:54 pm
My heart goes out to the Ottimo Family as you begin to move forward after this devastating loss. While I never met Mr Ottimo, I know he was an awesome person based on what I see in Art. He’s an excellent colleague whom I consider a great friend. My heart breaks for the entire family. I once heard someone remark about the toughest part of losing a parent, even a spouse, is the thought, “Who in this world will love me like that?” No one. But that love does not have to die if you carry the best things you remember about them with you in your heart. There are no words in any human language to take away your pain, but I am sincerely sorry for your loss and pray for some measure of comfort and grace rain from heaven to make the dark days ahead a little easier.
Claire Huber
#7
October 1st, 2018 2:43 pm
Dear Marlene and the entire Ottimo Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Arthur’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. May your memories give you comfort as you mourn his loss and celebrate his life. May he rest in sweet peace.
Fondly,
Claire Huber
Dr. Ben and Roseann Iuvone
#6
October 1st, 2018 1:31 pm
Our deepest condolences to the Ottimo family. Art will be missed.
Manny Quinoa
#5
October 1st, 2018 1:14 pm
Marlene
I am sorry for your loss. It is a sad time for all of us.
Occasionally in life, you meet that very special person who it is a privilege to call a friend. I have lost a friend whom I was very fond of. I will miss him greatly and he will be in my thoughts always. He had great character and a big heart. He was kind, compassionate, and a true human being. Sadly, there are few people like that in the world today.
Kim Blake Haynes
#4
October 1st, 2018 1:13 pm
I want to extend my condolences to the family. I never met Art's father but my husband Tracy had the pleasure of meeting the Ottimos when he took pictures of them on the beach for a family portrait. He told me they were a beautiful, boisterous, wonderful group of people. My prayers are with you at this time.
JoAnn Merrigan
#3
October 1st, 2018 12:40 pm
Such a great picture! I remember meeting Art, Sr. for the first time about 12 years ago when I was invited to Christmas dinner at "the ranch" in Savannah. From the beginning, I appreciated his humor and had such a good time whenever I saw him and Marlene! I always looked forward to a story or two and the site of him and his son outside smoking a cigar after the holiday dinner. I am glad I was able to meet him and get to know him a little bit. And he was obviously a great father - because Art (JR?) has been such a wonderful co-worker and friend all these years. I am thinking of everyone at this sad time but also know this will be a celebration of his life.
Dave Blaszczak
#2
October 1st, 2018 8:35 am
My heart was broken when I heard about Art last night. I have known Art since 1985. Many fond memories. He was a friend and a mentor to me in the Fastener business. May God Bless Art and his family. I know that God will welcome Art when he arrives in Heaven where he belongs.
Michael Guidice
#1
October 1st, 2018 7:17 am
A true gentleman, an even more true definition of the word "Friend", He will not be missed He will be remembered fondly.
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