Maj. Christopher Frederick Hottinger, Jr. USAF (Ret.)

Major Christopher Frederick "Fred" Hottinger, Jr., USAF (Ret.), 87, of Livermore, California, husband of the late Joan Carbeiner Hottinger, entered into eternal rest Saturday, May 6, 2023. His Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 405 King Street at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment, Bethany Cemetery. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. 

Fred was born June 13, 1935 in Charleston South Carolina, son of the late Christopher Frederick Hottinger and Mary Louise Boone Hottinger. Fred attended Porter Military Academy where he was the Lt. Col. Battalion Commander, 52-53 Senior Class President, NRA Distinguished Rifleman, Captain of the Rifle team, Key Club, Football team, and voted Most Likely to Succeed and Best Looking. It was here where he met the love of his life Joan Carbeiner, his wife of 64 years. Upon graduating PMA, Fred attended The Citadel for 3 years before transferring and graduating from The University of South Carolina in 1959 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He proudly served in the USAF for 20 years and had a distinguished military career.

After retiring Fred enjoyed a long career in aerospace data communications leading key projects as a Senior Systems Engineer. 

Also of note that Fred was also an accomplished artist and that enjoyed painting, he earned a B.A in Art later in life and won many awards for his work. 

Fred was a devoted husband, father, and PaPa. He loved nothing more than being with family, friends, and colleagues.  He always kept close to his beloved city of Charleston and his family’s heritage in the low country. 

Christopher is survived by his three children: Christopher Frederick Hottinger III (Heather Royston) of Sacramento, CA, Janet H. Martinez of Pleasanton, CA and Nicole H. Leyman (David) of Pleasanton, CA; sister, Carolyn Garner of Mt. Pleasant, SC; cousin, Dr. George Geils of Charleston, SC; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan C. Hottinger who passed away on March 8, 2022.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Porter-Gaud School, Attn: Lisa Ward, 300 Albermarle Road, Charleston, SC 29407.