John Kotch

John Matthew Kotch, 91, died peacefully after a short illness on March 26, 2011. He was born on January 10, 1920 in Luzerne, Pennsylvania to John Thomas Kotch and Catherine Kapral Kotch. He graduated from Luzerne High School as valedictorian of his class. Furthering his education at Cornell University, he began a 43 year career with Corning Glass Works. Commencing in Melting Technology, he became known as a glass specialist and senior level engineer overseeing the production of glass in expanding markets. He spent much of his time in Japan, India, Brazil, and Western Europe contributing to the global growth and success of the company’s glass making business. While in India, John was instrumental in establishing a daily lunch program for workers in need. After retirement, he continued as a consultant and a mentor to many engineers. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Corning, New York, a member of the Kiwanis Club, an avid golfer, and member of the Men’s Twilight League at the Corning Country Club. He was passionate about fly fishing, hunting, and belonged to the Hunt Club while in Danville, Kentucky. John spent much of his time in Kauai, Hawaii with his wife Millie, who shared his love for golf and the island. John spent the last 11 years in Kentucky near his daughter, Sr. Ann John, a Benedictine sister from St. Walburg Monastery. He was an oblate of St. Benedict frequenting mass at St. Walburg Monastery and Madonna Manor.
His unparalleled love for his family prevailed throughout his entire life, especially his love for his late wife, Mildred ‘Millie’ Plaskon Kotch. He is survived by his daughters, Sr. Ann John, O.S.B of Villa Hills, Kentucky and Gail Marie Kotch Farrell of Danbury, Connecticut as well as three grandchildren Elizabeth, Thomas, and Matthew. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas, Bernard, and Joseph Kotch.
Visitation 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30 at the Linnemann Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Center, Erlanger. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Walburg Monastery Chapel on Wednesday March 30th at 5:20 PM. Memorials may be made to St. Walburg Monastery, 2500 Amsterdam Road, Villa Hills, KY 41017; or Madonna Manor, 2344 Amsterdam Road, Villa Hills, KY 41017; or the Pike Street Homeless Clinic, 343 Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011.