Jeffrey M. Otteni

Jeffrey M. Otteni, 63, formerly of McKean and a pillar in the Paramedic Community in Northwestern PA, died on Friday November 28, 2025 in Winston-Salem N.C. after a brief illness. He was born in Erie on December 31, 1961, the son of the late Alan and Shirley (Meyer) Otteni.

Jeff was a 1980 graduate of General McLane High School where he played football and was an accomplished wrestler. After graduation he briefly attended Westminster College on a football scholarship. He became the Office Manager for Otteni Industries and worked for the family business for several years. He then branched out on his own and began Otteni Excavating. In 2022 he closed up shop in McKean and moved to North Carolina where he was employed as a heavy equipment operator for various businesses.

Throughout his life, when Jeff wasn’t working, he was involved in a variety of motorsports. He loved old cars. He rode motocross in his younger years and was very proud of his success in snowmobile racing. He was fortunate enough to be sponsored by Arctic Cat to race in the GMC Ten Star International from Manitoba to Minnesota on two separate occasions.

If you visited Jeff’s home you would be likely to see the deer head mounts he proudly displayed. Hunting was the one activity that Jeff looked forward to each year. He enjoyed working in his yard and always had a dog by his side. Blue, his last dog, had a very special place in his heart.

Jeff’s proudest accomplishment and the one he would be most known for was his commitment and dedication to the Fire and Paramedics Services of Northwestern PA. He was a lifetime member of McKean Fire Department and a Lieutenant in the Fairview Fire Department. He was instrumental in the creation of the Central Erie County Paramedic Association (CECPA) where he served as Chief for many years. He would selflessly give up spending holidays and weekends with family to ensure the paramedic rig was covered. He also was involved with West County and Millcreek Paramedic Associations. Many people have said that they were always glad to hear “Paramedic 53 enroute” coming over the radio. Jeff also helped others complete their training to become paramedics. He was given Citations of Merit for his work as a paramedic from both state and local officials upon his retirement in 2022. This was along with numerous awards for service over the years from fire departments and hospitals. His work and dedication were often noted, even though he did not want recognition.

Jeff was a member of St. Francis Ushers Club in McKean and Engine House 39 in Edinboro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Ella Otteni and Lawrence and Norma Meyer; nephew, Austin Chupp and great nephew, Holden Otteni.

Survivors include sisters, Mary Beth Brown and Stacey (Dean) Pope; brothers, Patrick (Rose) Otteni and Scott Otteni; uncle, Gerald Otteni; nieces, Breanne Otteni, Katie Otteni, Hanna Merten, Shelby Brown (Kenny Adams), Emily Brown, Abigail Chupp; nephews, Nicholas (Emily) Otteni and Adam Merten: as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 4 to 8 PM at Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie St., Edinboro, PA. A brief service will be held between 7:30 and 8 PM.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made in Jeff’s name to CECPA (Central Erie Co. Paramedic Assoc.), P.O. Box 162, Edinboro, PA 16412-0162. To leave condolences, please sign the GuestBook below.