Stephen M. Kotch

Stephen M. Kotch went home and into the arms of Jesus on March 13, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on September 29, 1935 in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of Andrew and Elizabeth Bosak Kotch.

Shortly after graduating from Swoyersville High School, Stephen enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Rising to the rank of Airman 1st class, he held top-secret clearance while working with nuclear high-resolution radar and visual targeting. Off-duty, Stephen showcased his athleticism as a star player for the Barksdale Bombers AAA baseball team, hitting countless home runs.

Returning to Swoyersville after four years of military service, he began his career in radio broadcasting, in addition to pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and English at Kings' College in Wilkes-Barre. While there he started the college's first radio station, WRKC, and worked in King's public relations department. In 1969 he was the first and only member of his family to earn a college degree. As the son of a coal miner immigrant, this was a great accomplishment.

After years in radio, he began a stellar career in television broadcasting. For many years Stephen was one of the most recognizable, beloved and respected personalities on WNEP-TV channel 16. J. Kristopher, as he was known throughout his career, was the consummate professional who brought nothing but excellence to television and radio broadcasting. In the span of his 33-year television career he became news producer, news anchor, weather and sports anchor/reporter, hosting Dialing for Dollars, Bowling for Dollars, Kommotion(sic) and Midday 16, an early news-talk program, and the first television personality to do the weather forcast outside, as covered by T.V. Guide Magazine. He hosted 33 Jerry Lewis telethons, and spent six years as track announcer at Pocono International Raceway with NASCAR and IRL racing. He excelled at sports play-by-play for many years on the collegiate basketball and local football and baseball levels. His tenure also included the very first "Skycam 16" helicopter live report. He performed free-lance sports work for ESPN in New York and Philadelphia. He also was an adjunct instructor in communications at King's College, Wilkes-Barre and Marywood University, Scranton and at the high school level. Stephen was also a prolific writer and author.

Stephen and his late wife Mary Ann, co-founded River of Life @KPM, a Christian ministry based in Dallas, Pennsylvania. He was initially ordained pastor under the umbrella of International Ministerial Fellowship, Excelsior, Minnesota and later the Father's House Fellowship, Easton, Pennsylvania. He was certified with Elijah House, Idaho in spiritual counseling, mentoring and inner healing. His ministry spanned three decades and touched countless lives in the local community, Canada, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands. He selflessly ministered to people in need and wholeheartedly spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In addition to his parents, preceding him in death were his wife Mary Ann Gonos Kotch, and their son Jude, as well as his brothers Andrew and Michael Kotch and his sister Marian Kotch Dicton.

Stephen is survived by his daughter Corinne Musto and her husband Joseph, Kingston, son Kristopher, Kingston, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lanning Anselmi, and the many doctors and staff at Geisinger Wyoming Valley for their care and compassion.

Memorial services will be announced in early April 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA, 18612. On line condolences may be made at Disquefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, 165 Amber Ln, PO Box 1127, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1127.