It Is with great sadness that the family of Bernard F. Ott Jr. announces his passing. He joins his beloved wife of 60 years, Jacqueline Dent Ott.  He was born in Newark, New Jersey on August 23, 1929.  Bernard served in the US Army from 1946-48 before graduating from St. Anslem College.  He had a long and distinguished career as an advertising executive at the Springfield Newspapers. He held many positions in the advertising field, including President of the Advertising Club and the Homebuilders' Association.  Post retirement he was involved in many activities.  These included Volunteer Coordination at Baystate Medical, Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic church, co-founder of the St. John's Pitch Club and member of the Parish Council.  He was also the editor of several newsletters, most importantly for many years of the Springfield Country Club newsletter.  However, most of Bernie's time and energy was spent with his family.  He coached many little league teams, supported Catholic schools by volunteering for Bingo at St. Mary's for two decades, wiped bottoms and tears and dealt and played thousands and thousands of card games.  In later years, Bernie enjoyed traveling with his beloved Jackie and teaching their 18 grandchildren card games.  He is survived by his siblings Matthew (wife Korki) Ott, Clare (Dr. Lou) Rigali, and Margaret Ott and his eight children Marian Ott (Craig Philip), Bernard (Susan), Christopher (Elizabeth), Gregory (Tracey), Joseph (Jean), David (Kristen), Annemarie (Edward) Weist, and Daniel (Laura) Ott.  He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Julia Pence, Jennifer Philip, Tiffany Hemphill, Rosemary Ott, Mathew Ott, Molly DiLullo, Kristen St. Laurent, Michael Ott, Kristina Schultz, Kayla Loomis, Heidi Himes, Grant Ott, Jacob Ott, Claire Anne Ott, Genevieve Weist, Edward Weist, Breyer Ott and Hadley Ott.  He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren.  Contributions:  The family requests that donations be made to the Holyoke Soldier's Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 or to the Sisters of St. Joseph in lieu of flowers.  The funeral will be held at the Agawam Curran-Jones Funeral Home Monday at 9:00am with Liturgy in Sacred Heart Church at 10:00am.  Visiting hours will be held Sunday 4:00 – 7:00pm.

Grief never ends... but changes.

It's a passage, not a place to stay.

Grief is not a sign of weakness,

Nor lack of faith.

It is the price of love.