Charles Francis Otto, Sr. was born January 11, 1937, to William P. Otto and Marie E. Ross, in Miami, FL, just as the world was preparing for World War II.  He and his brothers, William and Edgar, were the product of a broken home and spent much of their early years in an environment of constant uncertainty and transition.  At the age of 8, and although their parents were still living, Charles and his brothers were placed in the care of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Orphanage, in Tampa, FL, where they spent their most formative years.  At the age of 17, Charles returned to Miami, FL where he met the love of his life, Carol Ann Lewis, while they were working at Food Fair. Charles was a bagboy and Carol was a cashier.  Charles often recalled how he gave up tips to bag groceries for Carol when she was operating the express lane, just to spend time with her.  For Charles it was love at first sight. He often described his first impression of Carol as a beautiful angel floating down the store aisles.  The couple fell in love and were married on August 25, 1956, when they were just 19 years old.  He called her his “Honey” and his “Queen of Everything” and to Charles, she truly was his everything for the next 64+ years. He often said that he felt God chose her for him, because God wanted to make up for his childhood.

As a married couple, Charles and Carol’s deepest desire was to raise a family.  For thirteen years, they prayed for children before God answered their prayers with the arrival of their first child, Charles Jr., in April of 1970.  By the end of 1974, Charles and Carol were blessed with 3 more children, Frances, Elizabeth and David.  The words “devoted husband,” “loving father” and “faithful provider” don’t even begin to capture what Charles was to his wife and family.  Charles was their “Honey,” their “Dad,” their “Poppy,” their “Prince Charming,” their hero, their counselor, their friend—their everything!

During his working life, Charles was a delivery truck driver, a roofer, and finally, an aircraft mechanic for Aircraft Systems, an FAA Repair Station in Miami, where he worked for 28 years before retiring in 2002. He never minded hard work because he knew that everything he did was for his family. He went to work early, often worked overtime, and then came home to work some more.  He repaired bicycles, bought and sold at flea markets and garage sales, and collected scrap metal, all to save money so that he could give his kids all the things he didn’t have growing up.  And even though he worked a lot, he was always present for his family.  He was never too busy or too tired to get down on the floor and play with his kids and grandkids.

Charles was extremely intelligent and had a wisdom that only comes to those forced to grow up before their time.  While he thought of himself as bashful, he could talk to anyone about any subject.  Family, friends and strangers alike loved to sit and listen to him for hours telling stories about his life, world history, and current events. He was a “jack of all trades” and actually a master of them too!  He was a talented mechanic, electrician, woodworker, painter, engineer and musician, among many other things.  He was known as someone who could fix anything, who would do anything for you, and who never wasted anything.  But his greatest talent was being a husband, father and grandfather.  Charles was the most loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, always making his family his top priority. He worked tirelessly not only to provide all the necessities of life, but to make sure they knew they were truly loved and valued above all else.  He made time and gave time.  There was never a task too big or too small.  And he never minded taking 2 hours to complete a 15 min. task, because one of his kids or grandkids wanted to “help” him.

He taught his children the value of hard work and education and made sure that each of them had the opportunity, the encouragement and the means to be successful in life.  He always said that he may not be able to give them much in the way of money, but what he can do is make sure they have an education.  Summers were not spent in front of the television, but with planned activities, family vacations, and endless fun.  It was important to him that his kids were raised in a stable, loving home and that they grew up with strong morals and a love for God.  He was the spiritual leader for his family and believed in the importance of leading by example.

Charles loved history, cowboys and Disney. He enjoyed spending time at Fort Wilderness Campground with his family, but his favorite place on earth was his home, working around the house, tinkering in his garage and spending time with his family.  He made sure that he was present at sporting events, dance recitals, musical performances and other activities that they participated in, always cheering them on and flashing his amazing smile. He loved his family fiercely and unconditionally and showed it through his words and actions each and every day.

Charles died peacefully at home on January 18, 2021, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, and their children, Charles Jr. and his wife Deborah, Francee Gillis and her husband Keith, Elizabeth Otto-Kulzer and her husband Frank, and David Otto, together with their 9 grandchildren, Sasha, Samantha, Radley, Jake, Chase, Charles III, Christopher, Reid and Carol Rose, and their great granddaughter, Mia.  He leaves a lifetime of fond memories and a legacy of love that will endure in them, until they are together again.

In the words of one of his favorite cowboy songs, “Happy trails to you, until we meet again!”

The Mass of the Resurrection will be held for Charles on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church located at 701 North Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026.  A link for the live video feed may also be provided, upon request.

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, Hollywood Chapel