My wife Sandy and I were so sorry to hear about Harry's passing. My name is Bill Harris. I went to Mount St Joe with Harry and in our sophomore year we both wrestled on the JV wrestling team. After graduation we went our separate ways. In March of 1968 I was deployed with the 5/46th infantry unit to Vietnam. One day I was in Chu Lai and I ran into Harry. I couldn't believe it was him. He told me he was a combat photographer, and he would try to get to go out with my unit. Months later I got the chance to come back to Chu Lai and I did and I looked him up. He was laying in his bunk. I walked up and said hi and he freaked out. He had heard that I had been killed. We stayed in touch after the war and Harry and Sheila came to our house for my 50th birthday. What a great guy.

The four of in New York during the holidays.

Harry, Jan and I sailing out of Fort Myers. I have no idea where the Coors came from!

Sailing for Harry was certainly about experiencing all the elements of the outdoors on the open water, and yes the harnessing of the power of nature, yet it was also the setting for a good conversation over a sandwich, a shared story, or the opportunity to pass along a life lesson for anyone that may benefit.

Harry was one to stick to his convictions, he valued focusing on his family and friends, on meeting responsibilities, upholding traditional core beliefs, sacrificing to do what he believed was the right thing, … valuing respect, loyalty, and offering kind acknowledgment to anyone’s effort in their pursuit of doing the right thing…. all that, and a tall stack of raw onions on a hamburger.

The second Sunday in March is “the best day of the year” according to Harry…. and he loved that retirement for him meant “every day is Saturday.”  Having reached a point in his life that he could justify it, Harry bought himself the Triumph he’d always admired, it didn’t define him.. but it sure made him smile just knowing it was his car.

The pinnacle of all however was the obvious pride he had for his wife and family, his daughters and son, each of their respective partners included, their life accomplishments together, and the unmistakable glow when he talked about his grandchildren.

Harry has a legacy that will surely live on in those he encountered.  He was one of a kind and truly one of my favorite people… literally a gem of a human.  

David Taylor

I have many good memories with Harry. Including sailing, meeting up around Annapolis when Hank was in MD, celebrating friend’s wedding (in the early 2000’s). He and Sheila were the most fun parents who were always ready for a fun time.   
The above photo was sailing the Magothy River 9/2018.  Harry let me drive the boat that day which I will never forget.  It was so peaceful to be out on the water. I understand why he loved it so much!
What I learned from Harry was to embrace life, make memories, spend time together with friends and family and enjoy the beautiful Bay that we are so blessed to live near.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Harry was a wonderful man, and I’ll always remember his warmth, sense of humor, and the joy he found out on the water. I hope the many wonderful memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead.

On a sunny Sunday about 20 years ago, Harry asked if I wanted to join him and Hank for a relaxing ride on his beloved sailboat. I happily agreed, and before long, we had motored out into the open water.

Harry and Hank began running around, pulling ropes, and moving the “boom,” which I was quickly informed could knock me unconscious if I wasn’t careful.

Soon, we were really moving. Until that day, my only boating experience had been on motorboats, so speed was something I expected. What I did not expect was for the sailboat to be halfway on its side while flying through the water.

I held on for dear life, certain this was surely the end. Harry and Hank, meanwhile, seemed completely unfazed. I remember thinking how brave they were, considering it was apparently going to be the last day of all our lives.

It was wonderful to see how much they loved sailing and how happy Harry was on his boat. Over the years, he would talk about his sailboat excursions and the Annapolis boat races he continued to participate in once he moved to Annapolis.

Harry was a wonderful neighbor, much loved by all of us at 100 Severn. He was easy, gentle company,  and we often shared a beer or a meal at Eastport Yacht Club after I moved in next door to him. He clearly had great affection for his family, as well as his sailboat and classic Triumph. The world was better with him in it.—Tom Lewis

OBITUARY

Harry E. Ottey Jr.

August 14, 1947 – June 9, 2026

Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.

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