John H. Otenasek

John Hayes Otenasek passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. Born in Baltimore on June 19, 1965, John was the fifth of the six children of Dr. Richard J. and Margaret “Peggy” B. Otenasek, Jr. John grew up in a loving, busy family. His outgoing, fun-loving personality made him a favorite among family, friends, and neighbors. John’s childhood antics inspired many funny stories, retold with laughter over the years. A graduate of Loyola Blakefield High School, he briefly attended the University of Delaware. He was on the staff at Gould Farm, a residential therapeutic community in rural western Massachusetts, where he had earlier been a guest. Later, John served as the Director of VOCAL (Virginia Organization of Consumers Assisting Leadership) where he trained people with mental illness as a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) facilitator. After working as the Executive Director of On Our Own of Howard County, he was a Peer Support Specialist at Sheppard Pratt Hospital. John’s long and difficult battle with his own mental health made him a compassionate, insightful, and dedicated advocate for those bearing similar burdens. He worked tirelessly and courageously to maintain his own health while supporting those in need and crisis. Over the years, John’s struggles took a greater and greater toll on him. Through the ravages of mental illness, our beloved John became truly lost to his family and friends. We are eternally grateful for the “angels” John met along his lonely and desolate way. These were kind healthcare workers, compassionate street missionaries, and generous and anonymous men and women that John randomly encountered. We are blessed to be able to bring our dear brother home to rest with his parents and his sister, Anne Lindsey Otenasek, who was killed in the 1988 bombing of Pan Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. John is survived by his loving siblings, Catherine O. Levitas (Michael), E. Page Kozak (Mark), Richard J. Otenasek III (Sallie), and Francis H. Otenasek (Courtney); his cherished nieces and nephews Anne L. Kozak, Michael E. Kozak (Nushi), David T. Kozak (Megan), Daniel Levitas Deabler (Gabrielle), Matthew P. Levitas (Morgan), Benjamin D. Levitas (Melanie), R. Joseph Otenasek IV, Chase M. Otenasek, Jeffrey D. Otenasek, Heath S. Otenasek, Blake W. Otenasek, and Drue C. Otenasek; and four great nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 11 am at Cathedral of Mary our Queen, with visitation from 10 am - 10:50 am. The family kindly asks that in place of flowers, donations be made in John’s name to Gould Farm, Attn: Development, 100 Gould Road, PO Box 157, Monterey, MA 01245.

John H. Otenasek

June 19, 1965 - October 31, 2025