Bob Ott Memorial Scholarship Fund

Born March 7, 1964 in Silver Spring, Md - Robert Andrew Ott, "Bobby/Bob" was the last baby brought home to a full, loud, and loving household. He entered eternal life on January 4, 2023 and was 58 years old.

Bobby was the eighth child born to Ernest and Jean Ott. He is survived by five brothers and one sister {Ernest K of Redlands, Ca; (Delores) Joan M Demetriou of Catonsville, Md; Thomas P of Woodbine, Md (Pam); Jim F of Laurel, Md; John M of Columbia, Md; (Bonnie) Peter A of Brookeville, Md (Suzy)} aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, He is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Joseph Ott, his mother, Jean Marie {Levock} Ott, and brother, Michael Joseph Ott.

Raised in Silver Spring, St. John the Baptist Church and School were a second home to Bob, having followed 7 of the 8 siblings in graduating from there, where his parents were founding church members. This was the place where many lifetime friendships were forged. He graduated from St. John the Baptist in 1978, and went to Springbrook High School, where he was an accomplished athlete in football and wrestling and graduated in 1982. Bob had a rare distinction in that he was part of three consecutive Maryland state football championships, as well as senior team captain.

Salisbury University was his next adventure. Bob was a passionate rugby player for the Sharks. He graduated in 1986 with a B.S. in Geography. Bob was a member of the ROTC and graduated from Salisbury as an officer in 1986.

Bob entered US Army active duty as a Lieutenant in 1986 and was assigned to the Military Police Corp. His first assignment after initial training was Korea. In 1988 he was reassigned to Ft George G. Meade in 1988 and assigned to the HHD 519th MP BN (FGGM Forscom FC). During this time his unit deployed to Panama as part of the pre-invasion planning phase in Operation 'Just Cause' between December 1989 - Jan 1990. While in Panama, Noriega's military placed Lt. Ott under arrest and initiated court proceedings. He returned home after his safe release and exited active duty military service in 1990. Bob was a rare bird indeed while serving in the military police. He was one of the very few members of his unit that earned the coveted Army Ranger and Airborne designations. He then pursued a distinguished educational career.

“Mr. Ott” was a dedicated Maryland educator and began his 29-year teaching career with Baltimore County Public Schools at Stemmers Run Middle School. He was well known for his hand painted American flag murals on his Social Studies classroom walls. While getting his Leadership in Teaching (Admin. I Certificate) at the College of Notre Dame, Bob realized at the “top” someone would always be mad at you, so explored the library route and earned his M.S. in Instructional Technology from Towson University in 2004.

His final position was as the Library Media Specialist at North Harford High School. NHHS was one of his treasured "happy" places; a place where many more friendships were forged with colleagues and students alike. Throughout his career he also coached many varsity sports, including football, wrestling, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

Bob loved the outdoors - sports, motorcycles, floating down a river in his boat, hiking, golfing, creating gardens in his yard - he treasured and celebrated God's glory in nature. His pet cats - Esmerelda, PG and Marco - brought him exasperation and delight as they kept him busy with their hilarious and frustrating antics.

“Uncle Bob” was very proud of his nieces and nephews - counseling, laughing, or regaling them with stories (some edited), present in their lives, supporting their endeavors and ensuring an annual good meal with Subway gift cards at Christmas.

And our Bob was a treasured and trusted companion. As many as the stars in the sky are the number of people who called him “friend”. Until we meet again…