Otis Leon Hall

parents, Luther and Annie Hall. He grew up in Neptune, NJ with his sisters, Elaine and

Joanne, and completed his school years there. He was raised with Christian values,

and his parents were Deacon and Deaconess of the Good Hope Baptist Church in

Asbury Park, NJ.

Otis went on to attend college at Kean University and received a B.A. in Social Work. In

1973, Otis was formally initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity ΩΦΨ through the

Upsilon Phi Chapter in Newark, NJ. He subsequently became a charter member of the

undergraduate Rho Zeta Chapter, where he served with distinction as First Vice

Basileus. Otis embodied the cardinal principles of the fraternity: Manhood, Scholarship,

Perseverance, and Uplift, not merely in word, but through a lifetime of action and

example.

Upon graduating college, he began working for the Union County Division of Social

Services and remained there for over 40 years. He was loved and respected by his

colleagues and brought a sense of humor as well as camaraderie into the work

environment. Otis retired as a Social Work Supervisor in 2018 after a successful career

assisting low-income families and mentoring his staff.

Otis was also a volunteer elementary school basketball coach for over 10 years at St.

Patrick’s Elementary School, which later became Elizabethport Catholic School as well

as with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). He was more than a coach to many of

his players. He was a mentor and a father-figure to them. He was gifted in seeing the

potential in his players and encouraging them to believe in themselves and their

abilities. Otis’ love for basketball was shared with his children, who played basketball

as well. Many nights, you could find their family gathered together in the living room

watching basketball games. The love of basketball was passed on to several of Otis’

grandchildren as well.

Otis cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His love

language was food, and you could often find him in the kitchen cooking up one of his

delicious meals. Some of the family favorites were his pancakes, eggs, salads,

meatballs, and everything he grilled or cooked up in the smoker. He also had a sweet

tooth and loved candy and desserts. He definitely loved feeding his family just as much

as he loved eating.

Otis is predeceased by his sisters, Barbara Ann and Joanne Hall, his brother, Luther

Hall, Jr., his brother-in-law, Deacon Lucius Mabry, and his uncle, Otis Gates.

He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife, Georgina Criado-Hall, his dear

sons, Brian Hall, Brandon Hall, Jorge Melendez, Jr., Jose Melendez (Lucy), Christian

(Karen) Melendez, and his dear daughter, Ginamarie (Marcus) Ramirez. He is also

survived by his adored grandchildren, Mason, Gianna, Zaide, Jasmine (goddaughter),

Anthony, Jose “KJ,” Christian “CJ,” Luis “Tito,” Cesar, Jesiah, Washington, Jose

“Pepe,” Ariela, Marc Anthony, Alyssa, and Liya as well as two great grandchildren,

Jayden and Mikhi. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine Mabry, a second

goddaughter, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will miss him

dearly

A visitation for Otis will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Liquid Church, 1180 Spruce Dr, Mountainside, NJ 07092. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Liquid Church.