Eler Otano

Eler Otano, age 89, of Merrillville, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

He was born in Lares, Puerto Rico on December 16, 1933, to Isidoro and Ines Otano. Eler came to Gary, Indiana in 1951 in pursuit of the American dream and a life filled with opportunity. He subsequently met his wife, Ernestina Soto Otano from Jayuya, Puerto Rico and celebrated 55 years of marriage on August 3, 2023. He loved her dearly.

He worked in Maintenance for Section 8 Housing Authority for 5 years. Eler was a true entrepreneur at heart and became a real estate property investor very early in his career and managed over 50 rental properties over the years. His passion was his business and investing in the future of Gary, Indiana. His work ethic was like no other and he committed himself to providing a better life for his family.

He was a devoted and proud member of Christian Revival Center in Merrillville, Indiana, where his son is the founding pastor. He loved his church family and faithfully attended every week to listen to his son preach. When he was unable to attend church physically, you could find him watching church services online. He was a dedicated member who loved the Lord.

Eler loved being with his family and dedicated his entire life to his family. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed making everyone laugh, especially his 12 grandchildren. You could always find him telling funny stories or making silly videos with his grandkids to make them smile. He had an infectious laugh and his larger-than -life personality made him unforgettable. He was a beloved husband, father, and loving grandfather who will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Ernestina (Nini) Otano; 4 children, Richard Otano, Michael (Rosie) Otano, Evelyn Price, and Cynthia (Jonathan) Fry; 12 grandchildren, Serena, Celeste, Mykelle, Gabrielle, Michael, Carissa, Colin, Alec, Hayley, Giuliana, Nicolas, and Anya.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Isidoro and Ines; 5 siblings; Jose, Ismael, Lydia, Juan, and George Otano.

Family and friends may gather at Christian Revival Center 805 West 57th Avenue Merrillville, Indiana on Saturday, September 2, 2023, with Visitation 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with Funeral Services 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Pastor Michael Otano, officiating. Interment immediately following from Ridgelawn Cemetery, Gary, Indiana.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eler Otano, please visit our floral store.