Edward Thomas Kochaba

Edward Thomas Kochaba, 87, of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, passed into eternal life on February 11, 2021. Ed was husband of 63 years to his dear, late wife Frances (Brinkos) and the son of the late Michael and Susanne Kochaba of Nesquehoning. He was preceded in death by siblings Michael, Margaret, and the Rev. Fr. Myron and is survived by brother John and wife Helen of Camden, Delaware.

Ed attended Nesquehoning High School where he was a District 11 gymnastics champion. Following graduation, Ed attended Saint Procopius College in Illinois, worked in the Lockheed aircraft plant in Burbank, California, met his future wife Frances while driving a delivery truck for Bright’s Department Store, and enrolled in Villanova University. After graduating from Villanova in 1956, Ed was commissioned as an Ensign and began his career in the US Navy, serving as an air intelligence officer and retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Ed was a long-time member of Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Nesquehoning where he taught Catechism and served for many years as Cantor.

Ed is survived by children Kathy and husband Al of Cornish, New Hampshire, Tom and wife Christine of Virginia Beach, Karen of Jim Thorpe, Michael, Mary and partner Steve of Philadelphia, and Matt and wife Mara currently of Copenhagen, Denmark; grandchildren Andrew, Dominic, Christian, Sofia, Terry, Erin Adrienne, and Sarah; and great-grandchildren Alessandra, Sebastian, Gabriel, Sloane, Cora, Ruby, Eli, and Annie.

The Kochaba siblings will miss Dad and will always cherish the personal memories we share of him: from epic family vacations, unforgettable (no matter how hard we try!) camping trips, and the way he always found a motel with a swimming pool; his singing us awake on school mornings and to sleep in the car at night on long drives home; his signature “dinner’s ready” whistle calling us inside; his attending sporting and school events whenever he could; his magically packing into one car a car-and-a-half of stuff  when taking us away to college; his soft spot for the dogs we brought with us on visits home; his ready smile and easy conversation with everyone he met. Thank you for all of that and so much more, Dad.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 20th at 11:00 a.m. at ST. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Nesquehoning with the Rev. Dr. Vasyl  Chepelskyy officiating, followed by  interment with military honors at ST. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Nesquehoning.  No calling hours.  In accordance with CDC Guidelines, masks and social distancing will be required. Services will also be livestreamed on the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home Facebook page.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church ℅ the Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.nalesnikfh.com.  Services have been placed in the care of the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center St., Nesquehoning PA  18240.

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