Otto Christian Morch

Otto Christian Morch, 91, of Whiting, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at The Pines in Whiting, NJ. Otto was born in Rahway, NJ to the late Andreas and Bergliot Morch who immigrated from Norway in the 1920’s. He was raised in Westfield, NJ. He received his bachelor’s degree from Nyack College and went on to graduate from Stonier School of Banking at Rutger’s University. Otto met Marie Emma Moller at a bible club for high schoolers in Cranford, NJ and they married in June 1953. Otto and Marie moved to Rockland County, NY to raise their family. Later in life, Otto and Marie moved to Leisure Knoll (Manchester Township, NJ) for 8 years then relocated to Myerstown, PA so they could watch their grandchildren grow up. They moved to Whiting in 2014.

Otto had a long career in banking in Rockland County, NY. At the time of his retirement, he was a Senior Vice President of Provident Bank in Monticello, NY. Prior to that, he worked at a number of community banks including Empire National where he started as the drive-in teller of the Monsey branch in the 1950’s when it was Ramapo Trust. He became president of Union State Bank, Nanuet, NY in 1973 and then president of Empire State Federal Savings and Loan in 1978.

Throughout his banking career, he also served on the board of a number of non-profit institutions: Fort Lee Children's Home, Salvation Army of Rockland County, Boy Scouts of America, and Rockland County Builders Association. Otto also served as a Police Commissioner for the Town of Clarkstown, NY, 1987-1997. After retiring, he continued serving on the boards of Norwegian Christian Home & Health Center (Brooklyn, NY) and Hudson Technologies up until 2022.

Otto was a faithful member of the Evangelical Free Church both in New City, NY and in Lakehurst, NJ. Otto and Marie were heavily involved in Park Evangelical Free Church in New City for over 40 years. Otto also served on the Eastern District Board of the Evangelical Free church for many years. Upon moving to Lakehurst, they joined the Lakehurst EFC where Otto served as chairman for many years.

He enjoyed golfing and was an old car enthusiast. While living in PA, he volunteered his time at the Antique Car Museum in Hershey. His favorite place to vacation was the home he had built in Surf City, NJ on Long Beach Island. His family and friends created countless memories during their many years there. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Whenever possible, he attended every event his grandchildren participated in. He loved watching them perform whether they were singing, playing instruments, doing gymnastics, or golfing. He attended countless graduation ceremonies and competitions. He was always their biggest fan (except, of course, for their grandmother, Marie). A man who was so full of life and love leaves a vacancy that is difficult to heal. He will be dearly missed.

Otto was predeceased by his parents, Andreas & Bergliot Morch; his loving wife of 67 years, Marie; and his brother, Finn Morch. He is survived by his loving companion, Mary Ellen Callahan of Whiting, NJ, his son Scott Morch (m. Susan) of Barnegat, NJ; his daughter, Cindee Kennett (m. Edward) of Lancaster, PA; his 5 grandchildren, Emily, Julia, Cassidy, Jaden and Ian; and his brother, Andreas Morch, Jr.

Otto will be laid to rest in Ocean County Memorial Gardens in Watertown, NJ. A Memorial Service will be held on April 26 at 12:00pm at the Pines Village Town Hall, 509 Route 530 in Whiting. Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Rd. Whiting, NJ is in charge of the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Otto’s memory to Whiting Bible church.

Please visit www.andersoncampbellwhiting.com for more information or to post a tribute.