Keith Otterbein
Keith F. Otterbein, 79, of Williamsville, NY, and Apex, NC, died of a heart attack on June 17, 2015, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. He was born May 24, 1936, in Warren, PA, the son of the late Dr. Ralph F. and Mary Black Otterbein. A member of the Warren High School class of 1954, Keith was a 1958 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. He attended graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a Ph.D. in Anthropology in 1963.
Dr. Otterbein’s teaching career commenced in 1964 at the University of Kansas. He conducted field work in the Bahamas and in Nigeria and in 1966 joined the Department of Anthropology at the University at Buffalo. In 1971 he was promoted to a full professorship at the age of 35.
Following retirement as Professor Emeritus in 2006, he continued to teach part time for two years. Author of numerous articles and several books, Dr. Otterbein’s long and distinguished career encompassed a wideranging field of interests, special studies and hobbies.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Swanson Otterbein; a granddaughter, Angela, of Newark, NY; and a niece, Heather Branstrom of Youngsville, PA. He was preceded in death by his son, Gere, and a brother, Daniel.
A memorial remembrance and celebration of his life was held in Apex, NC. A memorial service will be held later by the Department of Anthropology at the University at Buffalo.