Longtime RVC resident and Army veteran Ottmann dies at 85

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Robert George “Bob” Ottmann, an Army veteran and former science teacher who lived in Rockville Centre for almost 60 years, died on April 1 at age 85.

Ottmann was born in Rockville Centre on July 8, 1931, to Milford Ottmann and August Knapmeyer. He graduated from South Side High School and later received his bachelor’s degree in education from New York University and used it to passionately teach science in the Lynbrook School District.

He was also an active service member of the Army and two American Legions.

Ottmann met his wife, the former Diane Degelleke, in 1957 and the couple raised their three children in the village before relocating to Wilmington, N.C., in 1990 to enjoy their retirement years. Ottmann since moved to Maine to be closer to his family.

He had many passions in his life, but Ottmann mostly enjoyed flying his planes. He was a proud veteran and member of American Legion Post 10 and 75 in Old Town, Maine. His especially loved to use his HAM radio to track storm systems.

“He was tough as nails, fiercely independent and loved his family above all else,” said daughter Lori Scally. “He was one in a million and undoubtedly lit up the life of everyone he knew.”

Ottmann is survived by his two other children, David and Curt, and five grandchildren, Kelsey, Justin, Sara, Kate and Lauren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ottmann’s memory can be made to the Old Town Maine American Legion Post 75 at 75 S. Water St., Old Town, Maine, 04468.