Otto Max Zimmerman, III

Otto Max Zimmerman III, 74, of Middlefield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family, on April 15, 2026, in Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. Born and raised in Durham, Connecticut, Otto was someone who made the world better simply by being in it. Known for his bright smile and quick wit, he was always ready with a joke or perfectly timed remark that brought laughter to those around him. That sense of humor stayed with him until the very end, a reflection of his enduring strength.
     

Otto was born with a natural athleticism and competitive spirit, excelling in both basketball and baseball during his high school years at Coginchaug Regional High School. He carried that same determination into every part of his life. He had a remarkable gift for problem-solving, whether working with his hands to repair cars, boats or forklifts, to renovate houses or to design and build furniture. With patience and concentration, he would study a problem and not only uncover the solution but teach others how it can be solved. This skill served him well in his 37-year career at Hyster New England (NITCO) as a forklift mechanic. Otto was always helping others without hesitation or expectation and often said that if you’re going to do something, it should be done right. In the eyes of those who loved him, there was truly nothing he couldn’t accomplish.
     

Otto was the beloved husband of Denise (Nelson) Zimmerman, the love of his life and the partner who stood beside him through every chapter. He enjoyed spending days with her at the beach with their feet in the sand and sun on their backs and evenings taking her on sunset cruises on their boat.
      

He was also the proud and loving father to his daughter Amy (Zimmerman) Tiliakos and her husband Orestis of Westport, Connecticut and his son Otto Zimmerman IV and his wife Kelly of Durham, Connecticut. One of his greatest joys, however, was having fun with his four grandchildren — Otto V, Madeline, Hannah, and Alexander — who knew him as Grandpa who always had a silly joke to make them laugh.

He is also survived by his siblings, who shared in a lifetime of memories: his sister Sue Bederka and her husband Dennis, his brother Karl Zimmerman and his wife Nancy, and his brother Eric Zimmerman and his wife Charlene. He was predeceased by his by his parents, Evelyn (Schee) and Otto Zimmerman II and in-laws, William and Barbara (Foote) Nelson.

Otto Max Zimmerman III leaves behind not only a family who adore him, but a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

A graveside service will be held at Middlefield Cemetery, 320 Main Street, Middlefield on May 8, 2026, at 10:00 am. A celebration of life event will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers please make any donations to Middlesex Hospital, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457 on Otto’s behalf for the gratitude and exceptional care provided. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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