Oly P. Kochera

Oly Porter Kochera, 87, of Girard, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Oly was born in Tyrone, PA, on August 7, 1937, to the late John and Myrtle (Stonebreaker) Kochera.

He graduated from Tyrone High School with the Class of 1956. After high school, Oly joined the Pennsylvania National Guard, serving from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1962. He moved to Wesleyville, PA, after high school to work at Bucyrus Erie. After being laid off, Oly returned to Tyrone, where he accepted an apprenticeship and became a tool and die maker. He later moved back to Erie, where he worked as a tool maker for R.M. Kerner and then for Reddog (PHB), where he spent 30 years before retiring. After retirement, Oly worked part-time at the Girard Cemetery. Known as a "jack of all trades," Oly could fix anything.

Oly was a member of the Federated Church in East Springfield and participated in the Golden Circle Bible Study. He was also a member of the Girard American Legion, Post #494.

In addition to his parents, Oly was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Ann Kochera; his brother, David Kochera; and his sister, Lydia Ritchie.

He is survived by the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Audrey A. (Cowher) Kochera, whom he married on December 3, 1956. He is also survived by two daughters, Virginia Hudock (Mike) and Mary Venezia (Mike); a son, Daniel Kochera (Paula); grandchildren, Jennifer Torres (Steve), Melissa Eaton (Zachary), Amanda Ohmer (Luke), and Michael Venezia; his sister, Mary Albright (Richard); his brother, Joseph Kochera (Pamela); and great-grandchildren, Steven Torres, Luke and Mia Ohmer, and Noah and Nora Eaton.

Friends may call on Friday, October 18th, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 7 p.m., at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main Street East, Girard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Oly's name to the Federated Church, 11995 Main St., East Springfield, PA 16411.

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