James F. Kotchey

James Francis Kotchey, 77 of West Deer Township, died Sunday February 7, 2021 at UPMC-St. Margaret’s with his loving family by his side. He was born December 27, 1943 in Pittsburgh to the late Jack and Alice (Lynskey) Kotchey. Jim grew up in Etna graduating from Etna High School in 1961. Following high school, Jim served his country during the Viet Nam Era in the US Air Force. After serving his country Jim attended Robert Morris University receiving a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. Later Jim went to work for the Port Authority with 33 years of service working as a claims adjustor. He also operated JFK’s Tax Service, which he ran for almost 40 years. He also found time to be a bus driver for the Deer Lakes School District retiring with over 13 years of service, then went on to drive school busses for WL Roenigk Bus Co. for the past 10 years. Jim was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, St. Victor Campus, was a member and past president of the Church Men’s Club and was the chairman of the church bingo committee as well as a member of the American Legion Post 548, Gibsonia. Jim enjoyed helping people, traveling, camping in his RV, cruising with his family and extended family, though Jim enjoyed his family life, most of all his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years Audrey Ruth (Mayer) Kotchey, children Alison (Robert) Kotchey of Ingram, Jenifer (Marlon) Carter of Hampton and John (Michelle) Kotchey of Lower Burrell, grandchildren Scarlet, Christian, Savanah, Ethan, Ryan, Amelia, Samara, Dominic, Cameron and Baby K which will be born in July of this year. Siblings Lynda (Ron) Broze of Freedom and Janet (David) Capan of West Deer, sister-in-laws Carol Frank of Valencia, Lorraine (Raymond) Denk of Polk and Maura (David) Fitzwilliam of Pittsburgh, his brother-in-law Eddie Mayer of Pittsburgh as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings Patricia Perry, Jack Kotchey, Candace Kotchey, niece Racheal Travis, his in-laws Roy and Frances (Comer) Mayer, brother-in-law Roy Mayer and his sister-in-law Shirley Mayer Sinclair.

We will be following CDC Guidelines and do ask that you wear a mask, social distance and make your visit brief.  The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM in the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Twp. Funeral mass will be conducted Thursday 10 am in Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, St. Victor campus, with the Rev. James P. Holland, officiating. He will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Hope, Frazer Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Our Lady of the Lakes Men’s Club, PO Box 149, Bairdford, PA 15006. View obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com.

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