Stephen George Kotich

October 23, 1927 - November 14, 2011

Stephen George Kotich, of Pensacola, FL, born October 23, 1927, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the age of 84. He was raised in Bethlehem, PA. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served on the Destroyer USS Keith during WWII. During Mardi Gras in Mobile he met and married Madeline Crabtree. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he worked at the Alcoa Steamship Co. in Mobile, AL for several years. In 1963 he moved his family to Pensacola, where he worked at Danley’s Ethan Allen as their service manager until they closed. He then opened his private furniture refinishing business until he retired. He was an avid golfer. He was past president of Carriage Hills Golf Association and a member of the American Legion Post #240. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years Madeline T. (Crabtree) Kotich. He is survived by his children; William S. Kotich, Joseph M. Kotich, Cynthia Jackson (Charles, Col. USMC, Ret.), Patricia (Sookie) Wyse (Larry), and Mary Shullaw (Thomas); his grandchildren, Stephen Aaron Kotich, Shawn Wyse, Dr. Michelle Sumrall, MD, Charlotte Alvarez, Joe Kotich and Michael Kotich; his 9 great-grandchildren. Special recognition is given to a longtime family friend, Billy Holley for his compassion and help. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery. FAITH CHAPEL NORTH FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Hwy 29 Cantonment is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel North from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17. Condolences may be placed online @fcfhs.com.