R. Gary Otis, age 81, of Merryall, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Gary was born on October 3, 1943 in Sayre, PA the son of the late Wilmot (d. March, 1964) and Marfisa Pisaneschi Otis (d. May 1981).  He was a graduate of Wyalusing Valley High School with the Class of 1962.  After high school Gary served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

He was employed for many years with the Soil Conservation Service (now called the Natural Resource Conservation Service).  He also worked at GTE Sylvania and Wrisley & Kerricks.  Most recently, he took great pleasure in helping his grandson with his business, Hunsinger Sealcoating.

Gary was a member of the Standing Stone United Methodist Church, Wyalusing American Legion Post 534 and volunteered during the Wyalusing Carnival.  He was an avid Penn State, Green Bay Packer, and Wyalusing Rams fan.  He enjoyed hunting, particularly spring gobbler in which he has over 90 beards.  He had a passion for hunting deer, fox and rabbits with his beagles and was proud of the big bear he harvested.  He hardly ever missed being on the sidelines, running the chains of a home football game. He had a genuine smile and would strike up a conversation with anyone.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially watching his children and grandchildren's sporting events, most notably wrestling and football.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Jean Isbell Otis, whom he married on June 9, 1968; his children and spouses, Gary and Dana Otis of Wyalusing, PA, Colleen and Carl Edsell of LeRaysville, PA, and Amy and Dave Hunsinger of Wyalusing, PA; his grandchildren, Dylan (Kayla) Otis, Dawson (Rachael) Otis, Emilee Otis, Carlyn (Cory) Warfle, Collin (Rayelle) Edsell, Creighton (Katy) Edsell, Alex Hunsinger and Ayden Hunsinger; his great-granddaughter, Maisie Edsell; his siblings, Donna Vanderpool of Camptown, PA and Larry (Janice) Otis of Camptown, PA; his brothers/sisters-in-law, Russell Bailey of Towanda, PA, Janet and Ed Astare of Monroeton, PA, Sue Adams of Sayre, PA, and Dick and Mary Isbell of Ulster, PA; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Luella Otis and Petro and Irene Pisaneschi; and his brothers/sisters-in-law, Allan Vanderpool, Barbara Bailey, and Greg Adams.

A Memorial Service for Gary will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, 155 Church St., Wyalusing, PA with Reverend Helen Learn of the Standing Stone United Methodist Church officiating.  Military Honors will begin the service and be conducted by the member of the Wyalusing American Legion Post 534.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Gary's name to Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 86, Wyalusing, PA 18853

Online condolences may be left at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.