Otto Jelinek

Jelinek, Otto, 85, passed away on June 22, 2013 at home. He was the husband of Joan (Olson) Jelinek. Born in New York City on October 8, 1927, he was the son of the late Jerry and Karli (Zwiegart) Jelinek.

A US Army veteran, Otto was a jump instructor while stationed in Japan at the end of WWII with the 11th Airborne Division. After leaving the Army in 1948 he joined his family in Rhode Island and began his studies in jewelry and industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design. He worked for many years at Anson as a design and manufacturing manager before opening his own design studio. Otto was instrumental in the design of the classic AT Cross pen and also worked for the US Government on the design of the first nuclear powered submarine, the Nautilus. He continued corporate and custom jewelry design and production until shortly before his death.

Otto was a well-known classic car enthusiast. He raced his Jaguar at Thompson Speedway in the 60's. Over the years he built a 1939 Mercedes 540K and refurbished a 1939 Ford from scrap parts.

Otto is survived by his wife, Joan, of 35 years. He also leaves his sister, Geri Marek and her daughter Christine Gallagher of Higganum, CT, and her three children, Patrick, Amy, and Sean.

A celebration of his life with military honors will be held Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 11 AM in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main St, Providence, RI 02904.