Nicholas G. Otzel, 84, of Harrisburg, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Hershey Medical Center with family by his side. Born in Harrisburg on February 5, 1942, he was the son of the late Nicholas A. and Pauline T. (Matjasic) Otzel. He was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas J. Otzel in 2021.

Nicholas graduated from McDevitt High School with the class of 1960. He then earned his Bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University with the Class of 1965 and would continue to remember his time there fondly. He worked as a Flight Instructor and Corporate Pilot, and later as Manager of Human Resources for Penn State College of Medicine at Hershey Medical Center until his retirement. He was a man of deep faith and an active member of St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, where he volunteered as a Sacristan.

Nicholas loved keeping active- especially through weightlifting and bike riding and would participate in powerlifting competitions in his younger years and set an American record for Squat. He also loved riding his motorcycle and anything to do with airplanes. He was a man of great wit and loved talking to people. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who would go out of his way to help those he loved. He will be deeply missed.

Nicholas is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kathleen (Ray) Otzel; his daughter Ann Marie Sola and her husband Michael; granddaughters whom he adored deeply Lilly Sola and Olivia Sola; sister Susan Strawcutter; and nephew Ryan Strawcutter; as well as his beloved grand dog, Milo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 30, 2026 at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, 1300 Bridge St, New Cumberland, PA 17070 with Very Rev. Jonathan P. Sawicki, V.F., his Pastor, celebrating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Harrisburg. There will be no viewing or visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church at the address above; or to Mount St. Mary’s University at www.msmary.edu