Alfred D. Kochel

1927 - 2017

Alfred D. Kochel of Malvern Alfred D. Kochel, age 89, of Malvern, on March 21, 2017. A generous and forgiving man, born on April 21, 1927 in Lionville, PA, he attended West Chester High School, served in the United States Navy, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Engineering and received a Master’s Degree from Northeastern University. He worked for over 25 years at General Electric’s Re-entry Systems Facility in Philadelphia, an important part of their Aerospace Division. He was involved in pioneering design work on satellites, missiles and early stages of the manned space program. In 2007, the facility was designated an Historic Aerospace Site. Later in life he was owner and CEO of Industrial Nameplate Inc. in Ivyland, PA, eventually retiring in 1999. He also maintained a lifelong interest in politics and the latest advances in science, and was ever the hopeful Eagles fan. He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Henrietta Evelyn (nee Marsden) Kochel and son Eric Kochel. He is survived by sons Bradford Kochel and Douglas Kochel (Christiane Vaillancourt), daughter Joanna Kelly, and grandchildren Dylan Kelly, Sterling Kelly, Anya Kochel and Pierre Kochel. The family will hold a private service.