Stephen Kotch Jr.

Stephen Kotch, Junior, 85, of Allentown, PA, passed away in his home on Tuesday, June 18. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Schrampf) Kotch who he was married to for 63 years. Born in Northampton, PA, on January 20, 1939, he was the son of the late Stephen and Stella (Smigowski) Kotch. Steve graduated from Northampton High School and Valley Forge Military Academy. He attended Vanderbilt University prior to his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. He served 4 years with the USMC and was involved with the Cuban Missile Crisis where he flew reconnaissance missions. Steve was an athlete and participated in many sports, with football and baseball being his favorite. One of his favorite pastimes was watching all the Philadelphia Eagles games, the Phillies, Penn State football and Villanova basketball. He also enjoyed coaching the Mountainville youth football team from 1966-1967. Those who knew him well, knew he was an avid fitness guy who could be found on the handball courts or at the YMCA in his free time. Steve used his artistic talents to draw ads for Hess Brothers in the early 1960's. He was an expediter for Mack Trucks for 35 years. Steve was a member of St. Thomas More Church, Allentown. His most special times were when he was with his wife Barbara. They could be found in their younger years out on the dance floor dancing the night away in jitterbug contests. Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was what he enjoyed the most. One of Steve's favorite holiday traditions was the Kotch Cup Dart Tournaments that he participated in with his sons-in-law and his nephew Mark. Saturday mornings were bright and early for him at 5 AM in the kitchen, baking his famous bread that his family and friends enjoyed so much.
Stephen is survived by his wife Barbara; Daughters: Lydia (Kotch) Turner and her husband Robb, Jessica (Kotch) Reynolds and her husband Keith, Sarah (Kotch) Johnson and her husband Jeb; Beloved grandchildren: Madeline and Ava Turner, Jacob and Stephen Reynolds, Isabelle, Cameron, and LJ Johnson. Steve is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Gladys Gilio, Irene Smith, Midge Guss.
Services: 11 am Wednesday, Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown 18106. Call 10 – 11 am Wednesday in the funeral home. .
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Thomas More School, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown 18103 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF),