Ronald Lee Otero

It is with profound sadness that we share the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Ronald Lee Otero, 88, on May 26th, 2024. A father to 5 children, Ron led an unselfish life characterized by his resilience, honor, unwavering commitment to his family, and his deep Catholic faith. He was a charter associate of the Mount Prospect Chapter #6481 of the Knights of Columbus, a lifelong fourth degree member, and a proud past Grand Knight. A pillar of strength and a beacon of love, Ron’s absence leaves an eternal void in our hearts. Ron was born in Endicott, NY on March 27th 1936 to Armando and Estelle Otero. There, he attended a small rural elementary school with a graduating class of 8. He lived an idyllic American childhood of baseball, bicycles, and outdoor fun. At 13, Ron was stricken with polio which affected his left arm, but he never let it impact his quality of life. In fact, he went on to be the star 3rd baseman of his high school varsity baseball team. An avid sports fan, Ron always cheered for the home team and the Georgia Bulldogs. However, no team compared to his beloved New York Yankees, as Ron was a lifetime fan of the Bronx Bombers. His all-time favorite baseball player was Joe DiMaggio and one of his most cherished childhood memories was seeing Joltin’ Joe hit a triple in person at Yankee Stadium. Over the last five decades, it was a common sight for the family to see Ron watching a sporting event puffing away on one of his ever-present cigars. Ron attended Harpur College (Binghamton University), graduated with a BA in Accounting and immediately started his career with IBM in 1959. He was always proud of his distinguished career with IBM, which spanned over thirty-five years and included moves to several locations such as New York, Chicago, Dayton, and Atlanta. In Chicago, Ron met the love of his life, Mary Therese Lenihan, and during their 56-year marriage he was always the devoted husband and family patriarch. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the joyous hustle and bustle that accompanied raising their five children. Ron was preceded in death by his wife Mary Therese Otero in January of 2021. He leaves behind his children: Patrick Otero (Kelly), Mary Smith (Paul), Ronald Otero, Michael Otero (Kitty), and Thomas Otero (Jennifer). His legacy is also carried on by his 10 grandchildren: Zachary, Daniel, Madeleine, Emily, Jack, Brady, Alexis, Buddy, Katie, and Anna, as well as his 2 great-grandchildren Cecelia and Theodore. For everyone, Ron was a guiding light and fixture at all family gatherings, a source of strength, and a constant reminder of what it means to be a good and compassionate person. A mass will be held for Mr. Otero at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, Georgia on Friday the 28th of June at 2pm. Following the mass, Ron will be interred alongside his beloved wife Mary Therese at the All Saints Columbarium and Memorial Gardens where they shall both rest in peace together.

Ronald Lee Otero

March 27, 1936 - May 26, 2024