It is with great sadness that the Severn School community in Severn Park, Maryland, mourns the sudden passing of Andrew Otero on January 3, 2026. His death has left students, colleagues, and families in deep sorrow, as they remember a teacher whose life embodied discipline, compassion, and service.
Andrew was born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, a town shaped by its manufacturing heritage and strong sense of community. From an early age, he absorbed values of responsibility and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life. After high school, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he lived out the principles of honor, courage, and commitment.
His years in uniform instilled resilience, leadership, and teamwork—qualities that became central to his identity and later influenced his teaching philosophy. When he transitioned from military service to higher education, Andrew pursued applied mathematics, a discipline that matched his natural gift for problem-solving and logical reasoning. For him, mathematics was not simply a subject but a calling, a way to help others discover their own potential through clarity and structure.
Moving from defense to education, Andrew redirected the discipline he had learned in the Marines into building opportunities for students. At Severn School, he quickly became a cornerstone of the mathematics department. His teaching style combined rigor with empathy, creating classrooms where students felt challenged yet supported. He broke down complex ideas into approachable steps, encouraged persistence, and celebrated effort as much as achievement.
Students who once feared mathematics often found confidence under his guidance, while colleagues admired his consistency, generosity, and quiet mentorship. He was known for collaborating with peers, sharing resources, and offering thoughtful advice to younger teachers.
Andrew’s influence extended far beyond academics. He was a mentor and role model, instilling confidence in students facing both academic and personal challenges. His steady presence provided reassurance during difficult times, and his pride in their successes was genuine and lasting. Parents valued the care he gave their children, and alumni remembered his classes as pivotal moments in their educational journeys.
In an era when educators are often overlooked, Andrew’s life stands as a testament to the transformative power of teaching. His commitment to excellence, paired with compassion and patience, created ripples of influence that will continue to shape lives long after his passing. His legacy is one of service, mentorship, and quiet strength—a reminder of the profound difference one dedicated teacher can make.