Obituary for John "Koko" Kochanek
John “Koko” Kochanek, 87, died on Sept. 7, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. He was the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet. You knew that because that’s how he introduced himself, complete with his “power” handshake with one hand and grabbing your elbow with the other. He was known by several names, but the most common were Koko, Koko the Clown, Rich Uncle Koko, Dziadziu and Dad. He was generous, giving, and always the life of the party. For years, he dressed as Koko the Clown to entertain kids, especially those with special needs. He worked at Monsanto as a guard for many years, and even worked for the Dept. of Motor Vehicles Outdoor Division for a while. Koko loved to be with people. He had the gift of gab. He could talk to anyone, anywhere. He was a devoted father who provided for his two children, John and Lou Kochanek.Koko was predeceased by his parents, John and Pauline (Gralenski) Kochanek of Ludlow, MA, as well as his sisters, Teresa Tripp from Westerly, RI, Irene Dragon from Arlington, VA, Phyllis Middleton from Ludlow, MA, and Mimi Kochanek, also from Ludlow. He leaves his wife of 65 years, Theresa (Pisarczyk) Kochanek of Ludlow, and his two sons, John L. Kochanek of East Longmeadow, MA, and Lou and his wife Sue Kochanek of Westfield, MA. He was called Dziadziu by his only grandchildren, Emily Kochanek Ketner from Somerville, MA, and Peter Kochanek of Philadelphia, PA. Emily’s husband, Alex, officially became Koko’s third grandchild. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Koko’s family would like to acknowledge the superior care and love he received from Kristie Russo and Cady Grant. They have taken such good care of Koko so that he could live his remaining years at home. Due to Covid restrictions, a private burial with family and friends will take place when the family is ready.
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