William Lewis "Lew" Otto, 69, of Smithfield, OH, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Lew was born January 7, 1955, in Steubenville, OH, son of the late John "Jack" Otto and Doris Jean (Yeater) Otto. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John K. Otto, nephew, Doug Wisnieski, and brother-in-law, Jim Blackburn.

He leaves behind his wife, Margaret "Peg" (Blackburn) Otto, whom he married Sept. 27, 1980; two children, daughter, Abbey (Eric) Wilson, and son, Jackson Otto; his two granddaughters who affectionately referred to him as "Poppy," Ellie and Maisie Wilson, all of Smithfield; nephew, Craig (Dawn) Wisnieski and their children, Demi and Derek; sister- in-law, Clarice Otto; nephews, Josh (Emily), Jon, Niko (Laura) and Luca Otto; sisters-in-law, Kim Blackburn and Lynne Wisnieski; brother-in-law, Bob (Cindy) Blackburn and niece Teresa; and 6 great nephews and nieces: Karly, Henry, and Lewis Otto, Ariella Otto, and Taylor Baker and daughter Aspen; and also the eldest living Otto relative, his aunt, Faith Powell.

Lew was a 1973 graduate of Wintersville High School where he was a standout football player and threw discus for the Warriors. He also worked his way through the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout at the age of 16. In 1974, he started working for Quigley, now called Mineral Technologies, as a Refractory Gunner and later retired in 2013 as a District Manager. He enjoyed the camaraderie of working with his fellow colleagues through the years.

In 1980, he married Peg and the two were an amazing example of what love is through good and bad, sickness and health, they loved each other fiercely. They moved into their farmhouse in Smithfield, OH, that same year. There they started a family and had many adventures farming, including Lew hand milking his Jersey cow named Sweet Lips, goats who chased cars with the dogs, cats who had 9 lives, an African Gray parrot that called for "Lewy" just like Peg, and dogs who never left his side.

He planted a large garden and canned the best tomato sauce around. He and Peg learned to make wine which was also enjoyed by many friends through the years. He was an avid reader, an outdoorsman who loved fishing and went on many trips with his fishing crew, collected and tumbled rocks, taught himself how to forge, coached his kids in softball and baseball, was assistant scout leader for Troup 96, and always supported his kids and grandkids attending all of their extracurricular activities proudly cheering from the sidelines or in the stands with his iconic mustache and booming voice. He was always waiting with a hug after every event and anyone who knew him knows that his hugs could be felt long after the embrace ends.

Lew lived life to the fullest. He was a bit wild and rambunctious and was one of a kind. A strong, brave, loyal, passionate, determined, and kind man with a huge heart who loved hard.

Some advice Lew always gave, "Life is for the living and you only have one life to live, so live it with all the gusto you can."

Visitation will take place Monday, May 13 from 3 PM to 7 PM at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield where his funeral service will be held Tuesday at 12 noon.

Services Visitation Monday May 13, 2024 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM J.E. Foster Funeral Homes & Crematory 107 Hill Street, PO Box 512 Smithfield, OH 43948 Funeral Service Tuesday May 14, 2024 12:00 PM J.E. Foster Funeral Homes & Crematory 107 Hill Street, PO Box 512 Smithfield, OH 43948