John F. Kotch

STRUTHERS – A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday November 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christ Our Savior/St. Nicholas Church 764 Fifth St Struthers,OH 44471 for John F. (Sonny) Kotch, 87, who passed away on Thursday November 20, 2025 at the Cleveland Clinic.

John was born on June 27, 1938, in Youngstown, OH a son of John and Helen Marie (Adams) Kotch. John served in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a machinist at Packard Electric for 32 years and retired in 1998. He was a member of the Christ Our Savior/ St. Nicholas Church and its Altar and Rosary Society. He belonged to the New Middletown Sportsman Club and was a social member of the VFW Post #3538 in Struthers. He was also an active member of his Struthers High School class of 1956 planning committee.

John always commented that his mother called him "Sonny" since he was so bright. John had a special skill of fishing and hunting using his left hand even though he was right handed in all other facets of his life. He loved music and attending the various Music in the Park celebrations with his wife Mickey. In addition, John was a great conversationalist and was loved by all that met him including all members of his family, the numerous friends he had and while eating his favorite cavatelli meal at Belleria.

John married the former Margaret M. (Mickey) Marapese on August 5, 1961. Besides his wife he leaves one daughter Debbie (Mark Ange) Harms of Overland Park, Kansas, one son John (Shelley) Kotch of Austintown, OH. He also leaves behind five grandchildren Chelsea (Kris) Van Scoy, Alex, Austin, Ian and Gia, also four great grandchildren, Santino, Scarlett, Luka and Jack. In addition to one brother Ron (Judi) Kotch of Struthers, John will be lovingly remembered by his sister in laws, brother in law and many in his extended family including nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his in laws and one brother Gerald J. Kotch.

Special thanks to Dr. Charles Sammarone, John's primary care physician, the doctors and nurses at Mercy Health, St Elizabeth and the Cleveland Clinic where John received extraordinary care. In addition, the personnel at Maplecrest Nursing Home in Struthers, where John resided during his final months, were loving and caring towards John during his stay.

Friends may call on Saturday November 29, 2025, at the church one hour before the Mass from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements by the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers, OH.

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