Arthur W. “Joe” Otis, 93

Arthur W. “Joe” Otis, 93
Arthur Wilfred “Joe” Otis, 93, passed away at his home in Essex Junction on Friday June 15, 2018.  He was born in Paul Smiths, New York on March 9, 1925, the  son of the late Joshua and Beatrice (LaClair) Otis.  
Joe grew up in the Adirondacks,  where he acquired a love of the outdoors and met his wife, Gertrude "Trudy" MacCauley.  They were married on October 17, 1949 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Tupper Lake.  
From that day on Joe's life centered on Trudy and his family.  Joe was a great storyteller with an amazing memory of facts.  Even the last week of his life, he was still entertaining others with his incredible sense of humor.  He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him.
Joe attended school at Corey's and Saranac Lake.  At 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII; his father enlisted on the same day.  Joe was proud to have served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He served as a sonar sub watcher in North Africa and Attu, Alaska and with the Free French Navy in the Mediterranean.  He was discharged in 1946.  
After the war, Joe became a licensed Adirondack guide and was employed as a personal guide by A.W. Stanley of Stanley Tools.   From 1949-1964, Joe was employed as a dental assistant at Sunmount VA Hospital in Tupper Lake.  He then moved to Essex Jct, VT. to work at IBM for 22 years, retiring in 1987.  While at IBM, he received an Associate's Degree in Engineering.  
After retirement, he worked seasonally at the Christmas Shop in Shelburne, VT. until he was 80.  
Joe was a member of the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks who are dedicated to portraying the common Vermont infantry and artillery.  Joe and Trudy were passionate about camping at Fish Creek  and Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge in Florida where they met many long-term friends.  Even at the age of 90, Joe drove all the way to the Keys and back.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Gertrude “Trudy” Otis of Essex Junction; two sons, David and his wife Mary Ellen of North Pomfret, Michael and his wife Gayle of Maidstone; four daughters, Pattie Lorraine and husband Michael of Waitsfield, Paula L’Ecuyer and husband Steve of Essex Junction, Jill Companion and husband Chris of Winooski, Amy Otis of Jericho; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Knauer and husband Tom, Joshua Otis and wife Sierra, Jessica Lorraine, Matthew Lorraine and wife Aleks, Randy Otis, Chelsea Otis, Samantha L’Ecuyer, Eric Raville; John Raville; six great grandchildren, Dylan, Mason, Trent, Kara, Colter and Ella.  For 20+ years, dear friends Ginger and Herb Conly have been welcomed as members of the family.
Joe was predeceased by his parents and infant brother Joshua.
Per Joe’s wishes there will be no public visiting hours.  A graveside memorial service was held  June 21, 2018 at 1p.m. in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph where military honors were accorded this WWII veteran.  
The Reverend John Milanese will be offering prayers.  Memorial contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 5495.   The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.