John M. Kotes, 78, a resident of Hopewell Junction for 38 years and formerly of Westchester County, died on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at the Bethel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Bethel, CT.
Born in North Tarrytown on July 6, 1932, he was the son of John and Bertha Chernay Kotes. He was a letterman for the University of Georgia football team and served in the US Navy Seabees. He was employed as a Mechanical Engineer for Dutchess County until his retirement in 2000. John was an active parishioner of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church in LaGrangeville. He loved his Church and found peace there following the death of his wife. He was a member of Ski Club of Westchester County and was an avid sports fan and cribbage player.
On October 13, 1962 at St. Mary's Church in Hudson Falls, John married Melanie A. VanHerpe who predeceased him on November 26, 2007. He is survived by his children, Sue Docimo and her husband Carmine of Poughquag, Terri Halpin and her husband Joe of Union Vale, John H. Kotes and his wife Meg of Royersford, PA, Chris Kotes and his wife Lori of Kennett Square, PA and Kurtis Kotes and his wife Allyson of Hopewell Junction; his grandchildren, Alexandra Docimo, Elizabeth, Catherine and Caroline Halpin, Emma, Julia and Molly Kotes, Tyler and Kyle Kotes, Ryan and Dylan Kotes; his sister, Mary Anne Moore and her husband Lt. Col. John Moore of Tallahassee, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville. Interment will be in St. Denis Cemetery followed by a reception at Blessed Kateri.
Memorial donations may be made to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville, NY 12540.