Jude Kotch

Jude Thaddeus Kotch went home to be with the Lord and Savior, Jesus on Sunday, March 15 after a lengthy illness. He was 55. Jude was a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. Upon graduation from Embry-Riddle, Jude was commissioned in the United States Army and rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  He served in multiple U.S. Army capacities as a pilot, Army intelligence, Military police and small arms specialist. He was awarded the highest peace-time medal for bravery for his life saving efforts in the field.  Jude served in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Central America. He functioned as high security for Doctors without borders in the Middle East.  After his return to civilian life he served as a Texas peace officer during which time he acted as security detail for many dignitaries including then vice president Dick Chaney. Jude later became an avid photographer with photo prints from four continents. But his greatest love were his sons, whom he was most proud of, Stephen P., Minnesota and Andrew C., California.

He is also survived by his parents, Stephen and Mary Ann Kotch, Dallas. Sister, Corinne and her husband Joseph Musto, Kingston, Brother Kristopher, Kingston. Aunt Marian Dicton, Rutland, Vermont, Uncle Joseph Flannery, Hanover Township, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Because of the current COVID-19 virus guidelines a public memorial service will be held and announced at a later time from The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Interment will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Keystone Mission, Wilkes-Barre, Pa or Paul’s House of Valor Foundation Clinic, Kunkletown, Pa. Condolences for Jude’s family can be made on the funeral home web site at www.disquefuneralhome.com.

Jude Thaddeus Kotch, 55, Wilkes-Barre, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2020. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 25, at 3:00 PM at The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Friends may call from 1:00 PM until time of service. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions, we can only allow 25 people in the building at one time. We would appreciate your patients. However a Memorial service will be held outside enabling us to accommodate more people.