Obituary of Robert Joseph D'Ottavio

Robert Joseph D'Ottavio passed away after an extended illness on February 27 at South Jersey Healthcare. Robert was born on Sepember 8, 1921 to Angelo and Caterina (Montana) D'Ottavio. A lifelong Vineland resident, he attended schools in Vineland. Robert worked on the family farm on Maple Avenue and the Philadelphia Shipyard until he enlisted with the United States Navy in World War II. He served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Pandemus, leaving with the ship on its maiden voyage down the Mississippi and through the Panama Canal. A highlight of his service was his time in China where he befriended a young Chinese boy. He enjoyed spending time with his former crew members and their Chinese friend, now an American, at their ship reunions. After the war, Robert married his wife of 59 years, Rose De Matte, and earned a first class aircraft mechanics license with the FAA. He started out at Airwork in Millville and moved to All American Engineering in Wilmington where he worked on projects for the US Navy. He later worked at Cresci's in Vineland and General Machinery in Millville before retiring. Robert was an avid race car fan and was one of the pit crew at the Vineland Speedway for Neal William's Number 44 stock car. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Vineland Council No. 2531. Robert was devoted to his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren. He was always available when someone needed him. Robert is survived by his wife, Rose (De Matte), his daughters, Susan at home, and Jean and her husband Glenn Christmann of Vineland. He also leaves his two grandchildren, Maria and Adam Christmann of Vineland. He is also survived by his sisters, Helen De Matte, and Gloria Marinelli and her husband Alex of Vineland; his sister-in-law Mildred D'Ottavio; brother-in-law David De Matte, Jr. and his wife Rose Ellen of Vineland and sister-in-law Patricia Marianino and husband Daniel of Green Brook, NJ. SERVICES Donations may be made to: The Knights of Columbus Vineland Council No. 2531, PO Box 72, Vineland, NJ 08362-0072; Bishop McCarthy Auxiliary, 1045 E. Chestnut Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360; or St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 23 W. Chestnut Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360.