John E. Kotarba

John E. Kotarba, 94, of 2420 Morris Street, New Castle, passed away  the morning of June 16, 2026 at Shenango on the Green.

John was born January 4, 1932 in New Castle. He was the son of the late Andrew and Anna (Leckwar) Kotarba. He was married to the former Rita B. Stachowiak. They were married for 69 years. She survives at home. John was Roman Catholic and attended Holy Spirit Parish. John was a graduate of New Castle High School, class of 1950.

Following graduation, Mr. Kotarba enlisted in the United States Army on November 25, 1952 in Pittsburgh, PA and served his country during the Korean War. John earned the rank of Sgt 1st Class on May 24, 1954.  Mr. Kotarba received many decorations and citations, among them were the Korean Service Medal W/1 Bronze Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Mr. Kotarba also attended service school while in the Army learning AFFE Intelligence School (Japan), Advanced Combat intelligence, was a member of the 245th Tank Battalion. John was Honorably Discharged on September 15, 1954 in Fort George G. Meade Maryland. He continued his education and attended Youngstown State University studying education. Mr. Kotarba worked for numerous years in the Maintenance department at Universal Rundle Corporation. After retiring from Universal Rundle, John worked as driver at Preston Motors. He was a great carpenter and could build anything including his home for his family. Mr. Kotarba loved to go Polka dancing with his wife. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Rita, John is survived by four children Andrew J. (Jodi) Kotarba of Lansing, M.I., Jeffrey P. Kotarba of New Castle; Beth A. (Dr. Elbert) Acosta of New Castle; and Lynn (Col. Ret. Colin ) Morris of Williamsburg, VA; seven grandchildren, Andrea (Michael) Murphy, Kristin Kotarba, Dr. Jonathan (Hailey) Acosta, Maria Acosta, Brandon Acosta, Rebecca Morris, and Will Morris; and two great-grandchildren, Brooke Acosta and Benjamin Acosta.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Adam Pivovar and Edward Pivovar; and his sister, Genevieve Temenski.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Noga Funeral Home Inc. 1142 New Castle. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform full military Honors at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

A procession will leave the funeral home Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at HSP-St. Vitus site at 9:00 a.m. Fr. Aaron Kriss Parochial Vicar of Holy Spirit Parish will officiate. Burial will be in S.S. Philip and James Cemetery.

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