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DEMAREST, N.J. -- Charles Richard Ottino, a resident of Demarest, died Friday, Feb.18. He was 99.
Ottino moved to Manhattan in the 1930s to study voice, then embarked on a professional career as a tenor, singing from Long Island, N.Y. to Palm Beach, Fla.
Joining the U.S. Army in 1942, he proudly served his country during World War II, fighting in the D-Day invasion, the Battle of the Bulge and several other major battles across the European Theater, earning a Bronze star and several battle stars in the process. He returned to Manhattan after the war and continued his singing career.After marrying his wife Eileen, they also worked together for more than 50 years as owners of many food service and dining ventures across the state, including the Strawberry Barn (now the Saddle River Inn), Van Saun Park, Liberty Park and High Point State Park.
He is survived by his sons Richard (Sheila) and Ronald Ottino, grandchildren, Kate, Ryan and Kristina (Gino), and great-grandchildren Jayden and Dominic.
He was predeceased by his wife Eileen Francis Slavin; daughter Patricia Eileen; sister Beatric Kostell; and brother John.
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