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John Kotula

John Kotula, age 94, of Kittanning, formerly of North Huntingdon, PA passed away on November 6, 2024 in his home surrounded by family.

He is survived by wife Dawn (Bratton) Kotula, whom he married September 15th, 1972, daughter Jennifer Luffey and husband, Craig, and daughter Erica Thumma and husband, Jim, as well as two grandchildren Tommy and Alyssa Luffey.

Born to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Mike and Mary (Danyluk) Kotula, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 27, 1930, John had 4 siblings, Mike Kotula, Mary Kotula, Katherine Barron, and Stella Mariano and many nieces and nephews.

John was a mechanic at the B&O Railroad Glenwood Shop before enlisting in the Air Force. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1955, serving in the Korean War stationed in Japan. He retired as an engineer/technologist from Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in 1995.

John was a jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed home projects, tinkering with computers, and mechanical work throughout his life - building a cabin, restoring a car, and renovating a house. He often reminisced of growing up in Pittsburgh, assisting his brother Mike with his Glenwood soda business, and visiting with family. He enjoyed time spent with friends on the Bettis Bowling League, boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, and snow skiing.

Friends and family will gather from 12 - 2 and 5 PM until the time of services at 7 PM on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at the Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 515 N. McKean St., Kittanning, PA.

Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA at 10:30 AM Wednesday, Nov. 13 where Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Richard G Laube Cancer Center, One Nolte Dr., Kittanning, PA 16201.

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