Darrell N. Kotchka, 88, of Rochester, passed away on March 3rd, 2025 at Passavant Retirement Community of Zelienople, surrounded by his three daughters and granddaughter. He was born in Stuebenville, Ohio on June 22, 1936, a son of the late Norman & Alyce Kotchka. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Jean (Cervi) Kotchka, his sister and brother-in-law, Rita & Pete Adania, his brothers, David Kotchka and Gary (Patricia) Kotchka, a nephew, Brian Kotchka and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Janis Nola. He is survived by his three daughters, Kristen Theiss of Bethesda, Maryland, Karen Kotchka of Baltimore, Maryland and Kimberly (Robert) Grabel of Philadelphia, three grandchildren, Nikolas Theiss, Alexandra V. Theiss and Alexandra (Devin Kelly) Grabel, four sisters-in-law: Nancy Kotchka of Phoenix, Arizona, Mary (John) Gaydos of Beaver, Patricia Mrkonja of Coraopolis and Jan Nola of Bethel Park, one brother-in-law, James (Kathy) Cervi of Spencer, Massachusetts, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Darrell grew up in the Stephens Phillips Homes in Monaca and graduated from Monaca High School in 1954. He earned his Associates Degree in Business at Garfield Business Institute after serving 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. He worked his way up through industrial management at Colonial Steel and N F & M Titanium in Monaca, ultimately serving as Vice-President of Operations for the last decade plus of his career. Darrell was a member of St. Cecilia Church of Rochester where he was an 8th grade CCD Teacher for 35 years, a Eucharistic Minister and a valued Parish Council member. He coached Pony League Baseball in Monaca, led a Boy Scout Troop at the Monaca Waterworks and was a long-time volunteer at McGuire Home. Darrell was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Beaver County Holy Name Society.

Darrell married his wife Jean in 1958 and began a 62-year partnership that centered around family, faith, fun and hard work. They enjoyed visiting children and grandchildren in many corners of the country. Darrell was always ready for an adventure with his children and had no problem getting in a canoe with his daughter (though he couldn’t swim well), going to Jackson Browne concerts or riding a ski lift chair to the top of the mountain just for fun. Darrell loved music and reading and could frequently be seen on his front porch, immersed in a good book and listening to music. He believed strongly in justice, fairness and service to others which inspired those around him and left a legacy to follow.
Darrell loved his family unconditionally and set a glowing example of a life well-lived.

Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams St., Rochester, where visitation will be held on Friday, March 7th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Cecilia Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester on Saturday, March 8th at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Cecelia Cemetery. Those who wish to express their condolences online can visit the William Murphy Funeral home webpage at williammurphyfuneral.inc.com for Darrell’s online tribute wall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Darrell may be made be made to the McGuire Memorial Foundation at https://mcguirememorial.org/mcguire-memorial-foundation/.