Fred J. Kotch

Fred J. Kotch, 94, of Olyphant, died on Tuesday at Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton.  His wife, Romaine E. Kotchkoski Kotch, died in May 2006.  They were married for 55 years. Born in Olyphant, he was a lifelong resident. Son of the late Stanley and Mary Tkacz, he was a graduate of Olyphant High School and attended the University of Scranton.  He was employed by A& P Supermarket for 43 years and enjoyed reading the newspaper and listening to polka music. Fred served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II.  He was a member of American Legion Raymond Henry Post#327, Olyphant. He is survived by two sons:  Mark and wife, Susan, Oceanport, NJ and Joel and wife, Sandy, Olyphant; two daughters: Karen Shive, Archbald and Janet Chrusciel, Dickson City; and eight grandchildren: Susan Chrusciel, Kristin Mancia, Matthew, Eric, Alex, Annika, Nicholas and Andrew.  He was preceded in death by two sisters: Blanche Tkacz and Stella ; and one brother, Walter Kotch. The family would like thank the staff of the Gino Merli Center, AsceraCare Hospice and VNA Hospice for their compassionate care. Mass will be held on Friday at 9:30AM at Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, Delaware St., Olyphant.  Msgr. Michael J. Delaney, pastor, will officiate.  Burial and military services will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Blakely. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7PM at the Hudak-O'Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Ave., Olyphant. In honor of their father, the family prefers that contributions be made to: Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18503; AsceraCare Hospice, 1212 S Abington Rd., Clarks Summit, PA, 18411, VNA Hospice, 301 Delaware Ave, Olyphant, PA 18447, or Holy Cross Parish, 200 Delaware St., Olyphant, PA, 18447. For on-line condolences or directions, please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.