Victor Charles Otley, Jr.
February 9, 1936 - November 14, 2023
In Memoriam
Victor Charles Otley Jr.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Victor Charles Otley Jr., our beloved father, husband, and pillar of our community. Victor departed this world on November 14, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering love.
Born on February 9, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama, Victor was the son of Victor Charles Otley and Roberta May Clothier Otley and grew up in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, excelling in baseball and academics and graduating from Montclair High School in 1953. Victor advanced his education at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1957, followed by a law degree from Rutgers School of Law in 1960. He was a widely viewed as an extremely capable problem solver for his clients as an attorney, with a career that spanned 40 years at Williams, Caliri, Miller, Otley and Horn in Wayne, New Jersey. He represented many clients who trusted him over the length of his career, served as President of several banks and helped many community-based organization with contributions of his time, including Wayne Board of Education,
Pines Lake Association, Preakness Pool, and Group Home for Adults. His dedication and hard work earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike.
Victor was not only defined by his professional achievements but also by his devotion and thoughtful attention to his family. He set a strong but quiet example as a loving husband and a father with high expectations and a strong sense of morals. After meeting the love of his life, Gloria Faye Beers, on a trans-Atlantic boat journey, they married on June 20, 1959, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and shared dreams. Victor and Gloria were married for 64 years. Victor's role as a father was one he embraced wholeheartedly with Gloria, nurturing their children, Victor Charles Otley III (Elizabeth) of Raymond Maine, Clark Clothier Otley (Jill Leet-Otley) of Rochester, MN, and Brian Beers Otley (Ute) of Charlotte, VT, with boundless love and wisdom. He is survived by 11
grandchildren, Kate Otley (Alex Thompson) of Arlington, MA, Becca Otley (Anthony Albano) of Lakewood, CO, Teal Otley (Connor Russell) of Manly NSW Australia, Kelsey Otley of Denver, CO, Taylor Leet-Otley (Ema Tanovic) of Philadelphia, PA, Kendall Stump (Kevin) of New York, NY, Grant Leet-Otley (Morgan Woods) of Minneapolis, MN, Keller Leet-Otley (Annelise Walsh) of Minneapolis, MN, Sadie Otley of Scottsdale, AZ, Mason Otley of Jersey City, NJ, Cole Otley of Malvern, PA….. and one great granddaughter, Max Thompson (Arlington, MA) and a future great grand-daughter, TBD Thompson (Arlington, MA).
A true gentleman, Victor was considered the wisest man in the room in many situations. He had no tolerance for untruth or laziness and set an example of honor, dedication and hard work. Beyond his professional and family life, Victor enjoyed many sports including tackling the ski bumps at Mad River Glen, biking the rural roadways of New Jersey, and playing handball. He greatly enjoyed quietly watching the athletic and academic achievements of his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, often with a dog in tow. He was particularly proud of the professional impact of his wife Gloria, a teacher of advanced mathematics at Wayne Hills High School. After retirement, Vic and Gloria toured the world, hiking the lofty mountains of Europe, the Himalayas, East Asia and South America. They
settled into a life of active retirement in Dataw Island, SC, for 20 years regularly playing golf, tennis, and boating. They spent summers living in Raymond, Maine and were an integral part of Victor and Elizabeth’s lives helping to raise their family during summers on Panther Pond.
Victor Charles Otley Jr. leaves behind a legacy of love, honorable work and service, and an enduring commitment to family and community. While our hearts are heavy with grief, let us also celebrate the life of a remarkable man who touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on our hearts.
A private memorial service to honor and remember Victor's life will be held by immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Audubon Society, a cause that was close to Victor's heart.
May Victor rest in eternal peace and may his memory continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
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