Obituary of Joseph J Gotch

Joseph J. Gotch, 94, of Rome, passed away on Wednesday morning, October 26, 2022, peacefully at the same home that he was born in with his loving family at his side.

Joe was born on February 1, 1928, in Rome, the son of Peter and Stella (Chmielewski) Gotch.  He loved to play baseball in his younger years as a catcher.  He also loved to hunt, play card, and drink his homemade wisniowka with friends.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Lee Legion.

Joe married his “homerun”, Joan Pfluke, on August 29, 1953.  The two were lifelong companions and friends for sixty-nine years.

He owned and operated the Gotch Farm.  He worked his entire life on the farm, along side his late father, late brother, and now his son, Tim, as well as his daughters and grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his children, Jessica Goodwin, Linda (Mike) Taylor, Tim (Jeanette) Gotch, Stella (Pete) McCormick; his nine grandchildren, Nichole Goodwin, Joseph and Jennifer Taylor, Tess (Mike) Marcinkowski, Kati and Paige Gotch, Meghan (Mat) Harosia, Seth and Miranda McCormick; one great-grandchild, Levi Marcinkowski; and several nieces.  Joe was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Stella; a sister, Beatrice (Fred) Gallo; and a brother, Edmund Gotch.

Joe’s Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 31, 2022, at 11:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Lee Center, where the Rev. Robert L. Kelly will officiate.  Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited and may call on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome.  Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Lake Delta Fire Dept. or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.