Ronald Jay Otto

Ronald Jay Otto, 79, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away on November 26, 2025.

Born on May 28, 1946, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he was the son of the late Donald H. and Jean M. Otto. Ron was a graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School, Class of 1964. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1972. Ronald was first married to Susan Schwieder, and they welcomed their only child, Jason. Following his service, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1972.

Ron then embarked on a successful career in retail sales, primarily focused on building materials, where he was known for his expertise and friendly approach.

His greatest love story began when he married Gloria, who went by Lori, on December 21, 1996. They shared 24 wonderful years together until her passing on May 4, 2020. Ron and Lori loved to travel and explore new places, once taking the adventure of a lifetime by moving to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. They later retired and moved to Myrtle Beach. They were devoted animal lovers, sharing their home with many cherished pets over the years, including their dogs Porter, Paisley, and Heidi, and their most recent beloved cat, Cara.

Ron is now reunited with his beloved wife, Lori, and his parents, Donald and Jean Otto. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Otto (who passed away in 2009) and Steven (who passed away in 2015).

He is survived by his son, Jason Otto, his wife, Tracy, and their son, Jackson, all of Lincoln, Nebraska. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Denise Otto, and his niece, Katie Otto, both of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He is also survived by his step-children: Vincent C. Zvorsky, his wife, Nadine, and their children, Tatyana and Steven, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Mark Zvorsky and his daughter, Anya, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania; Scott Zvorsky, his wife, Blanka, and their son, Ivan, of Jonestown, Pennsylvania; and Natalya Hernandez and her husband, Angel, of Wilmington, Delaware.

Ron was also blessed with extended family through marriage and is fondly remembered by Angel's daughter, Megan and her husband, Javi, and their children, Elena and Ophelia, who were his step-great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service for family and close friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Horry County Animal Care Center, 1923 Industrial Park Rd., Conway, SC 29526, or the charity of one's choice.

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