Ott Scarponi

Ott Scarponi passed away peacefully on December 27 2006 in the presence of family and friends. There comes a time when we have to say goodbye to those we love and Ott let us know that this was the time for him. He leaves behind sons Robert and David (Susan) grandchildren Andrew Rachel and Charlotte sister Marina and brother-in-law Randy Rendino nieces Alyssa (Rob Mickle) and Paula (Josh Zaentz) and their children and dearest friend and companion Kim Simmons. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years Louise the loss of whom he was never fully able to accept. His mother also preceded him in death in 2003 at the age of 96. Born in Boston on March 24 1926 to Edwardo and Adelaide (nee Piracini) Ott married Louise (nee Costa) in 1950. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II and photographed the first peacetime atomic bomb detonation over the Marshall Islands in 1946. Ott graduated from the University of Lowell in 1954 with a degree in textile engineering. Moving to Akron in 1955 Ott started his career with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. the start of a lifelong involvement with the tire industry. From Goodyear Ott moved to Allied Chemical and was responsible for marketing polyester and nylon tire cord and from there went to McNeil Corp. In 1975 Ott finally decided the only person he could work for was himself and started Ott Scarponi & Associates which continues to operate as Scarponi Textiles Inc. In 1978 Ott established a relationship that continues to this day with Kolon Industries Inc. of South Korea a leading textile producer. An avid golfer Ott had many great memories and friends at Fairlawn Country Club where he was a member for more than 45 years served as a past president and had the great fortune to shoot his age. More than anything else Ott enjoyed being a grandfather and his regular dinners out with his grandchildren will be sorely missed by all. Over the years Ott was active in a number of charities and raising money for various causes including the Akron Symphony Blossom Music Center the Civic Theater Cleveland Orchestra Project Learn United Way and YMCA. Ott was fortunate to enjoy the friendship of many close friends in Akron who helped make it the home he dearly loved. He never met a stranger had an easy laugh and easily formed relationships with people from all walks of life from the doorman to the CEO. Many men and women became his 'adopted' sons and daughters. A special thanks to John Rasnick and Terry Gordon for their help to make Ott's final days as peaceful as possible and to the staff at the Hospice Care Center at Ridgewood for their compassionate care. A celebration of Ott's life will be held at Fairlawn Country Club on Saturday January 13 2007 from 6-9 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice Development Fund 3358 Ridgewood Rd. Fairlawn OH 44333.