Al C. Kocher, 85, of Ellwood City passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Shenango On the Green after a brief illness.

Born Aug. 13, 1938, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late Harry A. and Helen Groscost Kocher.

Al graduated from Ellwood City Lincoln High School in 1956 and from Geneva College, where he earned his B.S. degree.

He spent his career in the steel industry, first working at Blaw Knox and then United Engineering in sales and management. While working at United Engineering, he was the co-inventor of the Kool Flo product.

He then worked at NKK Steel Engineering, where he served as president and COO until his retirement in 2001.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 599, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers and Christ Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City, where he formerly served as an elder. Al was also a past president of the Ellwood City Jaycees and served in the Air Force National Guard.

He enjoyed volunteering in his community, working in his yard and reading. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Jane Brooks Kocher; two daughters, Erin (Jeff) Barone of Boardman, Ohio, and Brooke Kocher of Arizona; stepson, David (Tammy) Chapnell of New Castle; six grandchildren, Lauren (Kelby), Nicholas, Megan, Tobin, Elaina (Andrius) and Matthew; one great-grandson, Jameson; sister, Carol Bisceglia of North Carolina; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Allison Kocher; and his half-brother, Ferris Kocher.

Visiting hours will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at the Marshall Funeral Home, Inc., 200 Fountain Ave., Ellwood City, during which Masonic Services will be held.

Visitation also will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Christ Presbyterian Church, followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. Rev. Tod Custer will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Rockland Cemetery in Kennerdell.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church or to the donor's favorite charity.

Online condolences may be offered at marshallsfh.com.