Joseph G Kotoch

Fitchburg -- Joseph George Kotoch, 73, passed February 1, in Leominster Hospital. Joe was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1947 to George N. Kotoch and Yasmine A. Khoury Kotoch. He immigrated to the United States in 1970 to join his parents and three of his four siblings. Joe returned to Lebanon in 1976 amidst a civil war to escort his oldest brother, Najib Kotoch and his family, out of the country, reuniting everyone in Fitchburg, MA later that year. Joe lives on through his wife of 44 years, Pamela Jo Mathena Kotoch of Fitchburg, his two sons, Jason Joseph Kotoch of Northampton and Gregory Joseph Kotoch of Fitchburg, his brother Wagih “Tony” Kotoch and wife Colette of Winchendon, Adel “Artie” Kotoch and wife Christie of Fitchburg, his sister Marie Elmasri and husband Saf of Fitchburg, and many nieces and nephews. A machinist at Plastican Inc. in Leominster for almost 20 years, he possessed a preternatural understanding of the way things worked. His engineering genius found its way into hobbies that included gunsmithing and tuning the engines of muscle cars. He was a joker and smiled with his whole body; he had the ability to bring an entire room to tears with laughter. He balanced humor with a kind of humble emotional wisdom that was authentic and reassuring. Nothing meant more to Joe than his faith. He worshipped at Bethany Baptist Church in Gardner, MA where he played music and sang in the church choir and with the Greater Gardner Community Choir. Joe’s faith in Christ was constant and unwavering and gave him strength after suffering from a severe stroke in 2015. Joe will be remembered for his smile, generosity, and a selflessness that always put the needs of others before his own. We mourn the loss of his body, but find joy in the fact that he has gone on to delight the heavens. Joe was predeceased by a brother, Najib Kotoch and a niece, Elaine Kotoch. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bethany Baptist Church in Gardner MA at www.bethanygardner.org. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner is assisting with arrangements.