Otto Kessler was one of the founders of the Joint Directors of Data Fusion Laboratories (JDL). He has contributed over 50 years into the fields of radar and data fusion at NADC, ONR-Europe, DARPA, and MITRE Corp. and has a key role in creating fusion communities globally.

Otto used every opportunity to coach the next generation fusion researchers in both academic and social interactions, emphasizing the most challenging aspects that require focus and attention in collaboration with his peers that established the JDL with him.

He had enduring commitment to his family, his work, and his colleagues. Most of all, he is remembered for his insistent confrontation with what was wrong and might be put right, and his fighting spirit that lasted to the end of his days.

Submitted by Elisa Shahbazian