Dennis T. "Papa" Ottavi, 68, of Elkhart, passed away at 2:15 am, Thursday, April 1, 2010 in Woodland Manor Nursing Home, Elkhart. Dennis was born on June 28, 1941 in Palos Park, IL to the late Neil A. and Vivian E. (Spry) Ottavi. On November 2, 1962, he married Charlene A. Schindalga. She passed away on July 28, 2009.
He is survived by four children, Denise Hart of Indianapolis, Gina Vance of Elkhart, Brian (Kim) Ottavi of Elkhart, and Brett (Melissa) Ottavi of Elkhart. Seven grandchildren, Caleb, Jacob, Anna, Erin, Zachary, Alexis, and Isabella. He is also survived by a brother, Neil A. (Susan) Ottavi, II of Nashville, TN and a sister, Linda (Jim) Roberts of Middlebury, IN.
Dennis worked in Sales for many years, specializing in Building Materials. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mishawaka, Lion''s Club of Stevensville, MI and Berrien County Sportsman Club. Dennis and Charlene retired to the Villages, FL in early 2000 to enjoy many new friendships before returning to the Elkhart area to be near their children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm, Monday, April 5, 2010 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola with a Rosary to be recited at 4:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 pm, Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, Mishawaka. Rev. Daniel Scheidt will officiate. Cremation will follow, with entombment of ashes at a later date.
In lieu of flower, the family prefers memorials be made to the Alzheimer''s Association, 50 E 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209 or to Woodland Manor Nursing Home, 343 South Nappanee Street, Elkhart, IN 46514
Dennis was an amazing husband, father, and papa, a "best buddy" to his sons and will be sorely missed.
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