Chester L. Kreitzer, Jr.

Chester "Occy" Kreitzer, Jr.

May 2, 1942 – July 4, 2026

Chester "Occy" Kreitzer, Jr., a lifelong resident of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at the age of 84. Known affectionately as "Occy" by family and friends, he lived a life defined by dedication to his family, hard work, lifelong friendships, and a love for the community he proudly called home.

Born on May 2, 1942, in Laurel, MD, Occy graduated from Bladensburg High School with the Class of 1960.

On July 27, 1963, Occy married the love of his life, Dorothy "Dottie" Dee Kreitzer (nee Staples), and together they shared nearly 63 wonderful years of marriage and built a close-knit family that remained the center of his world.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Dottie; his sister, Carol Ann Hall (Ronald); his children, David Kreitzer (Alicia); Jeannie Parsons (Joey); Kevin Kreitzer (Jill); and Elizabeth Winkler (Chris); his grandchildren, David Troy Kreitzer, Trevor Kreitzer, and Hayden Winkler; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Edna Kreitzer, and his brother, William "Bill" Kreitzer.

A proud Bowie native, Occy came from a large family with deep roots in the community. Some of his happiest memories were made during holidays surrounded by family, extended family and friends, and at his parents' beloved cottage in Shadyside, where summers were spent crabbing, fishing, laughing, and making memories. Most weekends you could find him cooking crabs in the shed, spreading out newspaper on the tables in the long sun-drenched porch and sharing crabs with everyone. Although he loved the water, he would often joke that he never did learn to swim.

Sports were a lifelong passion. As a talented baseball and softball player, Occy spent countless weekends on the diamond, pitching, running the bases, and enjoying the camaraderie of the game. His teams often included his brother Bill, cousins, childhood friends, and coworkers, creating lifelong bonds that extended far beyond the ballfield. In later years, he became an avid golfer, playing in tournaments throughout the state and in North Carolina with family and friends.

Throughout his career, Occy was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He worked at Bowie Race Track and later served as the evening Rink Manager at the Bowie Ice Rink, where he became a familiar face to many local families. He ultimately dedicated 40 years of service to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Through hard work and determination, he rose through the ranks to retire as Maintenance Manager of the Central Area Maintenance Yard at Watkins Regional Park. Along the way, he built countless lasting friendships with coworkers who remained a part of his life long after retirement.

Above all else, Occy was a family man. Whether gathering around holiday tables, spending time at the cottage, enjoying a day on the golf course, or simply sharing stories with friends, he found his greatest joy in the people he loved. His dependable nature, sarcastic sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to family will be remembered always.

His legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable life.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.