John E. Koci, 74, of Key, Ohio, son of the late John H. and Ella Reagl Koci, passed away Sunday, August 7th, in Southmont Skilled Care Facility in Washington, Pennsylvania.

John was a Vietnam Army Vet, he worked for 35 years in education/administration, 25 years being spent at Centerville School (Union Local School Dist.) as a Principal and Teacher, and John will be remembered as a "storyteller extraordinaire".

John bravely endured a six-and-a-half-year battle with Lewey Body Dementia, recognizing his loving family and friends until the end. His steadfast and loving support team consisted of the North Koci Road Crew; friends, George, Denny, David, Maryann and Bud; the "42" Gang, Dale, Tom, and Butch; also included are brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rich and Barb, Kolby, niece, Linda, John's children, daughters-in-law, loving high school sweetheart and wife, Darlene, who was his primary caregiver. In the past several months, John received specialized care from staffs at Woodside Memory Care and Southmont Skilled Care facilities, as well as Julie and Lacie of Amedisys Hospice all of Washington, PA.

John was blessed with a courageous, attentive, and caring wife who made even John's worst days more bearable with her smile and soft words and loving ways.

John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Darlene (Hammond) Koci; daughter, Penny (Jamie) Holeczy; sons, Tyler (Thea) and Jeremy (Stephanie) Koci; seven grandchildren, Cora, Oz, Maya, Leah, Isaiah, Ava and Julian; sister, Angeline Frantz of Virginia; several nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Franklin Koci, sisters, Emily Koci, and Gladys Koci Barker.

Per John's wishes there will be no visitation or services. Arrangements entrusted to Toothman Funeral Home in Jacobsburg.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lewey Body Dementia Association, Inc., 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, Georgia, 30047 or to Amedisys Hospice, 480 Johnson Rd., Suite 230, Washington, PA 15301.