John F. Kotch 1938-2025

John was born June 27, 1938, in Youngstown, 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 Parish-St. Nicholas Church and its Altar and Rosary Society. He belonged to the New Middletown Sportsman Club and was a social member of 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 who 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 Aug. 5, 1961.

Besides his wife, he leaves one daughter, Debbie (Mark Ange) Harms of Overland Park, Kansas; one son, John (Shelley) Kotch of Austintown; and 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 sisters-in-law, 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.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth St., Struthers, OH 44471.

Friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at the church.

Arrangements by the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers. Visit www.clementefuenralhomes.com to view this obituary and to send condolences.

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