Captain Michael Francis Ott, Jr., USN Ret.

June 19, 1965 - July 10, 2020

06/19/1965 - 07/10/2020

Michael (Mike) Francis Ott of Virginia Beach, VA died suddenly on July 10th, 2020. He was 55.  He was born on June 19th,1965 to Sheila (Mullarkey) and Michael Francis Ott, Sr., in Youngstown, Ohio.
Mike was a native of Richmond, VA where he attended Benedictine High School.  He graduated with a B.S. in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy in 1988 and received his commission in the U.S. Navy.  He received his Master’s in Technology from the Naval Post Graduate School and a Masters of Arts in Defense Studies from Kings College, London, England.  Mike served on active duty for 31 years and retired as a Captain.  Captain Ott commanded numerous units at sea culminating with his final command as Commodore of Naval Beach Group Two in Little Creek, VA.  His impact and knowledge as a leader in Amphibious Warfare can’t be accurately captured on paper as he was an anchor on the JEB Little Creek waterfront for over 20 years.  His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service medals.
Mike’s remarkable courage, bravery, energy, generosity, intellectual curiosity and leadership led him to an accomplished career and life as a husband, father, son, brother and friend.  His Navy career led him to relocate with his family overseas to Honolulu, HI, and London, UK, but he was blessed to spend the bulk of his career in Virginia Beach, VA.  He was a loyal leader and mentor who cared deeply about people. Mike was a charismatic, passionate, generous man who was strongly committed to every member of his family and friend group. He had a strong sense of purpose and touched everyone he met. Fearless both intellectually and physically, his recreational hours were spent supporting his four sons in whichever sport or opportunity life presented. One never missed him on the sidelines cheering for his sons and the teams they represented. He loved anything that had to do with the sea.
Mike was a decorated Naval Officer, a great American and Patriot but his greatest source of pride was his family. He was a dedicated husband to the love of his life, his wife of 32 years, Shawn Anne Chatfield and father to his four sons, Michael (Chat), Nathan (Nate), Andrew (Drew) and Dayton and his beloved chocolate lab, Baloo. Along with his mother Sheila and his parents-in-law Anne and George Chatfield, he leaves behind his sister, Lisa Ott Johnson (Michael) of Singapore, brother Joseph Patrick Ott of Hartfield VA and sister Donna Ott Gates of Austin, Texas, nephew, Hammond Branch Johnson, nieces Mia Christine Gates, Alden Rose Gates and Addison Dare Ott , as well as many devoted friends from around the world. He was predeceased by his father.
A memorial service has not yet been planned, but his family intends to have his ashes committed to the sea.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes to honor Mike’s passion for leadership with gifts to Norfolk Academy, 1585 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502, with notation “Captain Mike Ott”.

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Admin
3 years ago

Army-Navy Tailgater 2012

Ronni Pineiro
2 years ago

LCDR OTT was the Commanding Officer of a Patrol Coastal while under the preview of Naval Special Warfare. I had the pleasure to provide support for that ship and get to know him there and while he was at ACU4. He was a wonderful man and great leader. I am retiring after 47 years of federal service and thought of Captain OTT. It was then I learned he had passed. I am so sorry for the families loss and I am certain all those that served with him and for him. My heart goes out to the family.

Beth, Jessie, Jack, and Sam Tignor
3 years ago

To the Ott family, it is with great sadness that we offer you our sincere condolences. This timing feels especially rough. Wishing you strength and comfort for the days ahead.

William Rabchenia Capt USN (ret)
3 years ago

Worked with Mike at INSURV. He was a pleasure to be around a level headed inspector

Catherine
3 years ago

My daughter worked with Mike. She spoke of him with high regard and respect. He is deeply missed by many at the command.

The Heckard Family
3 years ago

Susan and I and our girls have been so fortunate to have known Mike and the whole family. Each member so talented and welcoming. An example for us all to emulate.

Bruce E. Hague
3 years ago

Sandy and I have no words to express our sorrow for your loss. We offer our prayers that you and your family will find peace and stay strong.

Bruce E. Hague
3 years ago

Sandy and I have no words to express. We offer our prayers that you and your family will overcome your loss.

Andy Walker
3 years ago

I will deeply miss our conversations on the sideline while watching our boys play soccer. I looked forward to every game so that we could have these chats about soccer, career, family, and life. We will keep Shawn and the boys in our thoughts daily. This is such a tough loss. Mike will be an Guiding Angel for many.

Katherine Perry
3 years ago

Shawn, my sincerest condolences for the loss of Mike. Love to you and prayers for your sons and whole family and all he has touched. For Mike, Fair Winds and Following Seas. <3