The Gates of Heaven opened to greet Leonard Andrew Kotch, 82, of Monessen, on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Leonard loved his family, was dedicated to his church, and enjoyed his music. He was born in Monessen on November 1, 1929, the son of the late John Kotch Jr. and Julia Drabik Kotch. Leonard was a life long resident of Monessen, a 1947 graduate of Monessen High School and attended California University. He was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church and former member of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, where he served as Choir Director. Leonard's musical career included working with both large and small bands throughout the area. He had been a band member playing the sax and clarinet for shows featuring artists like Nat King Cole, Tony Martin, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, and Sammy Davis Jr. He was a member and officer of the Tri County Federation of Musicians, Local 592, and a former member of the Monessen Elks. He retired from the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Allenport Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, where he worked in Industrial Relations. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the U.S. Army in the 179th Army Band. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Peggy (Oleksak) Kotch, two daughters and a son-in-law, Becky and Ted Vincent, and Laurel Manderino, all of San Diego, CA. Leonard has three grandsons, Lt. James (Allison) Manderino II, USN, Andrew Manderino, US Marine Corp, and Joseph Manderino, as well as three nieces and two nephews. Also surviving are a brother, Robert (Cynthia) Kotch, and a brother-in-law, Lawrence J. (Winifred) Oleksak. Leonard was preceded in death by a brother, John E. Kotch. Friends will be received on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue Monessen, (724-684-8750). Services will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012, beginning with a 8:30 am Blessing in the funeral home, followed by a 9:00 am Funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord Church. Interment will follow in Holy Name Cemetery, Monessen.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 618 Knox Ave. Monessen, PA 15062. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
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