Thomas “Tom” Kochara 75, Gallitzin died January 30, 2023, at UPMC Altoona. Born May 11, 1947, in Tunnelhill the son of the late John Sr. and Eileen (Chirdon) Kochara. Preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, Mark, John and Daniel “Dink”. Survived by his wife of 46 years the former Mercedes Torales whom he married August 21, 1976 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Loretto and a daughter Maria (Mark) Dashner and their son Aiden (Tom’s only grandchild) and a son Brian, also sisters and brothers, Ann (Ed) Sweet, Michael (Barb), Paul (Deb), Marie Burns, Jane Maurer, Kate Vinglas, Pat (Evelyn), Jim (Isabelle), sisters-n-law Lottie Kochara and LeAnn Kochara, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom worked as a personal care aide at the Ebensburg Center retiring after 33 years’ service in 1998. He enjoyed playing bingo, doing service work at the Dorothy Day Outreach Center, St. Vincent DePaul Center and many other organizations. A avid Pittsburgh sports fan, including the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates and loved Penn State football. Member of St. Demetrius Catholic Church, Gallitzin. Friends will be received from 2 to 7 pm Saturday, a Funeral Service will be held at at 5 pm at Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin the Br. Gabe Amato TOR. officiating. The family suggest donations be made to Dorothy Day Outreach Center 115 St. Mary’s Street, PO Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940
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