Richard Lee “Ricky” Otterman III, 56, of Gary, passed away at home on Sunday, June 14, 2026, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born on May 27, 1970, in Gary, to Richard Lee Otterman Jr. and Joni Jane Jillson Otterman. 

Ricky is survived by his daughters, Brooke Amber Otterman, and Heather Ashley Otterman; granddaughter, Haizley Marie Hammer; father, Richard (Rodina) Lee Otterman Jr.; sisters, Suzanne (Suzie) Piazza, and Holly (Lutz) Gundlach; brother, Ryan (Abby) Otterman; and a loving host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Ricky was preceded in death by his mother, Joni Jane Jillson Otterman; maternal grandparents, John Edward Jillson Jr, and Alice Marie Jillson; paternal grandparents, Richard Lee Otterman Sr., Shirley Castro, and Irene Otterman; and uncle, John Edward Jillson III. 

Ricky worked in construction and lawn care for many years and most recently was also a caregiver to a dear friend. He received his High School Diploma from the State of New Mexico and lived there, in Florida, and Indiana for many years. 

In his spare time, Ricky loved fishing and enjoyed riding his bicycle every chance he could, along with playing cards, dice, playing pool and planting flowers. He was an animal lover and took care of many dogs and cats. 

Ricky truly loved life and had a magnetism for friends. He never met a stranger that he couldn’t strike up a conversation with and was a neighborly man. Ricky looked out for everyone and held a generous and kind-hearted personality throughout his entire life. 

Ricky was a loving son, grandson, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, and friend who was loved wholeheartedly and will be sadly and deeply missed by all. 

A private cremation has been chosen and the family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. Calumet Park Funeral Chapel of Merrillville has been entrusted with Ricky’s arrangements.