Otto Payonzeck

   Otto Anthony Payonzeck of Wanaque, New Jersey and formerly of Williamsburg, Virginia and Franklin Lakes, New Jersey passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024. Otto’s greatest love was for Polly, his beautiful wife of 60 years and his children and grandchildren. In the summer of 1962, Polly caught Otto’s eye while he was in the midst of singing “10,000 Men of Harvard” at a local watering hole on Cape Cod. They were married the following summer. Otto was a devoted husband, loving father and doting grandfather. His presence will be deeply missed.
   Born on June 13, 1934 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Otto and Margaret Payonzeck. He grew up in Belmont and attended Belmont High School. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University in 1955. Otto paused his pursuit of a college degree to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon graduation, Otto attended Northeastern University in Boston to achieve his Masters in Business Administration. He enjoyed an 18 year career with ITT Corporation before broadening his corporate experience as President/CEO of Universal Manufacturing Corporation and consulting roles in other companies.
   While Otto’s career required several moves for his family including Canada, Connecticut, Tennessee and New Jersey, he would easily find community and purpose celebrating his Catholic faith. He and Polly were longtime members of The Church of the Holy Spirit (Memphis, TN), Most Blessed Sacrament (Franklin Lakes, NJ), and St. Bede (Williamsburg, VA). He felt called to be a Eucharistic minister and is fondly remembered for his booming voice at the lectern delivering the word of God.
Otto was a longtime member of Ridgewood Country Club. He could often be found on the golf course playing many rounds with friends and his son Greg. He also greatly enjoyed the dance floor while hosting wedding celebrations there for his daughters.
   Otto loved to travel with his family to Cape Cod, the Jersey Shore and on cruises all over the world. He enjoyed the company of friends playing couples’ bridge with Polly. He looked forward to lunch with the guys while discussing politics. He served as a Harvard Alumni interviewer for many years. Otto could devour a good spy novel, a difficult crossword puzzle, and a cold beer. He was a devoted fan of UVA basketball, the Patriots and the Red Sox win or lose! Otto was determined, intelligent, generous, loving and deeply faithful.
   Otto is survived by his beloved wife Polly and his children Greg Payonzeck, Pam and her husband Michael Watson, Linda Payonzeck and Laura and her husband Matthew Garman and his cherished grandchildren Katy, Emma and Nicholas Watson and Olivia, Harrison and Madeline Garman. Additionally, Otto is survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Otto and Margaret, brother Herbert, and brother John and his wife Pat.

The funeral/memorial service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 am at Saint Elizabeth’s Church at 700 Wyckoff Avenue in Wyckoff. Entombment will be a private ceremony for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude 501 St. Jude Place Memphis,TN 38105 or Fanconi Anemia Research Foundation 360 E. 10th Ave., Suite 201
Eugene, OR 97401

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