Paul Joseph Ottaviano

Paul Joseph Ottaviano, 75, died peacefully on November 8, 2022. Paul was beloved by both his family and his professional community. He was one of the last bridges between the old Italian ways (his grandparents were Italian immigrants) and the American Dream. Paul was born on December 9, 1946 in Auburn, NY. He was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ottaviano (Filomena). Paul was never expected to accomplish great things from his high school teachers, but he certainly proved them wrong! The first of many great things was meeting his wife, the love of his life, Cheryl Turner in 1967. They fell in love and got married. They had two sons, Jeff and Keith Ottaviano. Cheryl was supportive in all of Paul’s endeavors. Moving from Auburn, NY to Johnson City, TN, while Paul pursued his Masters in Microbiology. After earning his Masters, he received his draft notice. From California and beyond, Paul served in The United States Army, First American Cavalry Division 11 Bravo. After his military service, Paul and family moved to Columbia, SC so he could work for South Carolina Clinical Laboratories. While getting his second Masters degree, an MBA at the University of South Carolina, and holding down a fulltime job, he also wrote a very limited edition text book on Clinical Laboratories (possibly available on Amazon?) After receiving his MBA, Paul met his mentor, Bill O’Neil which lead to a lasting friendship and the founding of a number of successful clinical and bio-medical companies together. Paul’s business career had its focus in both clinical laboratories and research. At the height of his career, Clin Trials Research held offices in 16 countries and provided research trials to some of the largest Pharmaceutical companies in world. Later in his career, Paul became a professor, teaching future nurses and doctors, the dreaded organic chemistry. Additionally, he was an excellent chemistry tutor to his four grandchildren. Paul Ottaviano is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Ottaviano and Filomena Picciano Ottaviano, and his beloved wife, Cheryl. He is survived by his sons Jeff and Keith, daughter-in-laws Christy and Anna, his grandchildren, Jordan, Karina, Jeff and Maddie. Nieces, Vicki Oakley (Chuck), Staci Jones (DeWayne), Marci Lynn, and Kari Mistoler (Tim). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/donate or the Community Church at Tellico Village https://www.tellicochurch.com/give The family will have a funeral service on December 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Church at Tellico Village for both Cheryl and Paul Ottaviano. To sum up Paul, here is a quote written by Paul himself on September 13, 2021,“Two plots remain in Auburn, NY empty, and unless they are sold or Cheryl and I decide to be buried in Auburn the plots will remain vacant. FAT CHANCE TO GET BURIED IN AUBURN. She does not want that. These are very desirable plots! Show bill of sale and threaten to sell them on open market. Side Note: IF YOU SELL THE EMPTY PLOTS MAKE SURE YOU SELL THEM TO AN ITALIAN OR GRANDPA JOE WILL GET REAL MAD." Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Paul Joseph Ottaviano

December 9, 1946 - November 8, 2022