It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ottavio Lo Presti, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, who left this world on May 1st, surrounded by his family, at the age of 87. A viewing and Mass will gather family and friends to celebrate his life. 

Ottavio was born on December 20, 1938. He grew up on a farm in the small town of Mirto, a province of Messina, Sicily. He was the youngest of eight children born to Concetta DiPane and Antonino Lo Presti. Together, the family made a living tending to the crops of the land. In his early years, Ottavio proudly served in the Italian Army, an experience that helped shape his discipline and strength of character. He also had a deep love for music and found great joy playing the trumpet in a band, traveling throughout Italy, and sharing his passion with others.

Through meeting each other with a picture and countless love letters, Ottavio and Andreana were married in Italy on September 19, 1964. Shortly after their marriage, they settled and raised their three children in the United States (New Jersey). While raising his family, he worked for and carried out his career as a union carpenter with Engo Company located in South Plainfield.

A man of many hobbies, Ottavio found joy in caring for animals, gardening, saltwater fishing, traveling, crafting, playing cards, spending time at the beach, and playing bocce. Above all, he cherished the annual family traditions, especially making tomato sauce and wine together.  

He was the kind of man whose life revolved around the people he loved most. A steady presence, a guiding hand, and a warm heart, he found his greatest joy in the laughter and closeness of his family and many friends, whom he held close to his heart and loved as family. He took great pride in his work and in the things he built, often creating for his home and for those he cared about. His children and grandchildren were truly his world – his pride and joy, his purpose, and his greatest legacy. He shared an extraordinary bond with his beloved wife, Andreana Lo Presti, who preceded him in death on July 19, 2025. Their love was deep and enduring, a partnership built on years of devotion, resilience, and unwavering support. Though her loss weighed heavily on him, there is comfort in knowing they are now reunited. As a father, he was a source of strength, wisdom, and abundance of endless laughter and unconditional love. As a grandfather, lovingly known as Nonno, he was simply irreplaceable, always generous with his time, and endlessly proud. Whether through quiet moments, shared traditions, or words of encouragement, he made each family member feel deeply valued and loved. He will be remembered for his kindness, spirit, and the way he showed up for those he cared about, always and without hesitation. Above all, he will be remembered for his childhood stories—stories we will cherish and relive for years to come. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, who will carry his presence with them every day.

He is predeceased by his wife, Andreana of 61 years; Parents Concetta DiPane and Antonino Lo Presti; siblings Concetta, Cirino, Veneranda, Gino, Guiseppina, Guiseppe, and Nina; and his first-born son, Antonino Lo Presti.

Ottavio Lo Presti is survived by his loving children, Tina; Tony and companion Florina; Nick and his wife, Kym; and his treasured grandchildren, Gabriella and fiancé Steven, Kaila and fiancé Clint, Kyle, Kiara, Alexandria, Dominique, Lorenzo and Ottavio; and four adored great-grandchildren: River Jean, Riley Ty, Cayson, and Madilynn—each carrying forward his legacy of love, wisdom, and strength. He is also remembered with love by his brother-in-law, Giuseppe Dotta, and sister-in-law, Giovanna Foti, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dearest of friends. Though his absence leaves a profound void, we take comfort in knowing he now rests in eternal light, joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, the Lo Presti family, and all those who went before him.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 8, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Rt. 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876.

The family requests that friends and family please arrive for a final visitation at the funeral home on Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Ann’s Church in Raritan, NJ.  Entombment to follow at the St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the love he gave so freely and the memories that will remain with us forever.

A viewing will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 4 - 8 PM - Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Route 202 South, Branchburg

                                             Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 9:30 AM - 10: 30 AM - Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Route 202 South,                                                               Branchburg

                                             Funeral Mass, 11 AM, Catholic Church of St. Ann, 45 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ

                                             Entombment: 12:15 PM - St. Bernard Cemetery, Route 28, Bridgewater, NJ

Arrangements are under the direction of Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ, utilizing the facilities of Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Route 202 South, Branchburg, NJ