Christian Otto
Christian James Otto, 91, of Monument, Colorado, passed peacefully on September 24, 2025, at his home following a decline in his health over several years. Mentally sharp until the end, he remained active and engaged in staying abreast of world events and the lives of his family. Chris was born on March 30, 1934, in Kittanning, PA to Christian E. and Mary A. (McEvoy) Otto. He grew up with his four younger sisters, spending summers at the Otto farm in Hastings, PA and earning money working in the numerous businesses his father, an entrepreneur, started.
Chris graduated from Kittanning High School in 1952 and served as an MP for the US Army in Germany for two years. Following his honorable discharge, Chris returned to Kittanning, earned his BS in Education degree at IUP, initially teaching high school math in Kittanning and Pittsburgh. He then completed his Master of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Chris married his high school sweetheart, Doris Lasher (preceded in death November 19, 2011), on May 25, 1957, and they enjoyed a very active and happy marriage for almost 55 years. Over the years, Chris worked in management positions in the early generation of computers and data processing systems. Shifting to the financial industry in the early 1980s, Chris held executive positions at M&T Bank and the Bank of New Orleans where he was instrumental in, among other things, overseeing the launch and operations of ATMs (automatic teller machines) and the impact on 24-hour banking. He enjoyed his time on Wall Street with Barclays Bank and the trips to London and globally it provided. His working career wrapped up as a consultant on major global Y2K projects for the financial services industry.
Chris and Doris enjoyed traveling and experiencing new adventures, including travel to 49 states, Europe and Asia. Raising their children together, Chris was active supporting his children’s sporting activities and hobbies, and centered life around community service and religious activities. With grandchildren entering their life, they relocated to Monument in 1999where he was able to continue his community service passion and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, and Sertoma. He was active in numerous fund-raising events for many years and especially enjoyed being a Bell Ringer at the holidays to support the Salvation Army, volunteering for many years for the Empty Bowl fund raiser, administering the teams for Bingo, actively volunteering at the Monument Fourth of July parades, and serving as a timekeeper for several years for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Chris loved cars and everything about them. His knowledge of all models, their engines, and their history was legend. He especially treasured the 1978 Monte Carlo he inherited upon the passing of his parents and enjoyed his Sunday drives in the “Monte” for many years. The Monte continues to be enjoyed and driven by Chris’ son and family. Chris was well known for his stories and, like his father, had an extremely profound memory. His laughter was contagious, and he had the gift and the humility to be able to laugh at himself. He was a lifelong fan and original season ticket holder since 1972 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attending many games, witnessing many memorable plays including the “Immaculate Reception”. Chris traveled to many Super Bowls over the years. Those memories were cherished and shared often. Chris was extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments.
Chris is survived by his children and their spouses Karen (Otto) Hamilton-Smith and David Hamilton-Smith, Chris Otto and Sara Murray, and Diane Otto; six grandchildren Zoe Hamilton-Smith, Zachary Hamilton-Smith, Dr. Sophie Hamilton-Smith, Leah Hamilton-Smith, LT Liam Otto, USCG and Jaicey, and Kienan Otto; four great-grandchildren Max and Kylie Cahill, and Bear and Wilder Otto; four sisters Evelyn Holley, Ruth Burns, Rose Sotock, and Theresa (Otto) Karns and Lanny Karns; numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Christian E. Otto and Mary Agnes (McEvoy) Otto, his wife Doris (Lasher) Otto, and granddaughter Isobel Hamilton-Smith.
Funeral services in CO will be held on October 3, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument with viewing from 10am, Rosary at 10:30am, followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 11am. After transport back to PA, there will be a viewing on Tuesday morning, October 7, 2025, at 9:00am at Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning followed by a service at the funeral home at 10:30am with interment and graveside committal at St. John Catholic Church in Fenelton, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for any donations to be made to Pikes Peak Palliative Care and Hospice or to St Peter Catholic Church in Monument, CO.